Governor Bello Matawalle says Nigerian soldiers lack modern equipment to combat banditry in the state and the North-West.

“Another problem we have noticed is that despite the remarkable zeal of our troops, they lack modern equipment with which to prosecute modern warfare,” Mr Matawalle complained on Wednesday.

“Prosecution of modern warfare depends largely on modern war equipment and gadgets. It is very vital for these modern war instruments to be provided to our troops if we are to win this fight against banditry in Zamfara and the North-West,” he added.

Mr Matawalle, who urged the federal government to give Zamfara special attention, disclosed while receiving the government delegation sent to state after bandits raided communities, killing over 200 people.

“I would like to add that any strategy to be drawn for fighting banditry and all forms of insurgency should focus greater attention on Zamfara. Our forests have become fortresses for bandits, from where they plan and launch attacks to other parts of the North-Nest,” Mr Marawalle lamented.

Reacting to last week’s killing in Zamfara, Mr Buhari urged citizens in the affected communities to exercise “patience.”

The delegation to Zamfara was led by the Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi.

Other member of the delegation inciuded minister of humanitarian affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, Mr Buhari’s media aide Garba Shehu, minister of police affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi; the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno and the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba.