Kano Bandits’ Incursion: Deputy Senate President visits troops’ camps, urges security operatives to crush criminals
Kola Oyelere, Kano
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, on Sunday visited security operatives deployed to Kano North Senatorial District to halt recent incursions by bandits from neighbouring states, urging them to sustain the offensive and flush out criminals from the area.
He said,” Please go after those who don’t want peace in our land. Chase them wherever they are and flush them out of this area and beyond,”
The Deputy Senate President urged the operatives to maintain the momentum of the operation and decisively deal with criminal elements threatening the peace of the communities.
The visit followed reported bandit attacks in parts of Gwarzo, Shanono and Tsanyawa local government areas, which prompted the deployment of a joint security task force comprising the Nigerian Army, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau arrived in Kano at about 7am and proceeded straight to Lakwaya ward in Gwarzo Local Government Area, where he inspected troops stationed in the area.
Accompanied by the Garrison Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Brigade, Kano, Lieutenant Colonel I. Ekoh, and other senior security officers, the Deputy Senate President inspected a parade by the troops led by the Joint Task Force Commander in Gwarzo, Lt. Abdullahi Sadiq.
Addressing the operatives, Senator Barau commended them for their commitment and sacrifices in safeguarding lives and property, describing their presence as reassuring to the affected communities.
He thanked President Tinubu for what he described as swift and decisive action in approving the deployment of security personnel to the troubled areas, noting that the intervention followed his engagement with relevant security chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services.
“Since you arrived in this area, you have been doing all you can to restore peace and tranquillity to our people. I’m here to thank you for putting your lives on the line to ensure our people live in peace,” he said..
He also appealed to residents of the affected communities to continue to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that intelligence sharing and community support were critical to the success of the operation.
From Gwarzo, Senator Barau proceeded to visit troops’ camps in Tsaure and Faruruwa wards of Shanono Local Government Area, as well as Tsanyawa Local Government Area, where he similarly addressed security personnel on duty.
The Deputy Senate President later met with community leaders in Faruruwa ward, Shanono LGA, where residents expressed appreciation for the deployment of troops and other federal interventions in the area.
An elder statesman, Alhaji Yahaya Bagobiri, commended the federal government’s response to the security challenges and praised Senator Barau for ongoing road projects, political appointments for indigenes and other development initiatives.
Also speaking, a former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Farouk Lawan, said the visit was aimed at motivating security personnel battling banditry, describing Senator Barau as consistent and proactive in addressing security concerns in Kano North.
In his response, Senator Barau said his visit was to engage directly with community leaders, residents and security operatives following the recent attacks, assuring them of continued government support.
He also announced plans for the construction of a dam in response to a request by the community.
Members of the Deputy Senate President’s entourage included the Kano State APC Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Zakari Sarina; Rt. Hon. Farouk Lawan; Hon. Kabiru Ado Lakwaya; Engr. Muhammad Ali Wudil; Hon. Aminu Sulaiman Goro; Hon. Garba Ya’u Gwarmai; Hon. Yusuf A. Yusuf Tabuka; Hon. Inuwa Zangina Dangada; Hon. Murtala Nyako; and Hon. Salisu Maje Ahmed Gwangwazo, among others.