The Northern Christian Forum for Peace (NCFP) has commended President Bola Tinubu for the recent successes recorded by the military in the fight against banditry in the NorthWest, particularly in Zamfara State.

In a press statement signed by its President, Bishop Sunday Audu Thomas, the NCFP praised the President for fulfilling his promise to combat banditry and terrorism in the region, and urged him to sustain the recent onslaught against the bandits.

The statement noted that the killing of one of the most dreaded bandits, Kachallah Buzu, by troops in Zamfara was a testament to the President’s commitment to combating banditry and terrorism in the region.

The NCFP also commended the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the security chiefs for taking the fight to the terrorists and bandits, and for their tireless efforts in protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians.

The group also praised the troops for their bravery and sacrifice, and urged them to remain committed to the fight against banditry and terrorism.

Bishop Thomas said: “The Northern Christian Forum for Peace (NCFP) wishes to commend President Bola Tinubu for the recent onslaught against bandits in the NorthWest region, particularly in Zamfara State.

“The killing of one of the most dreaded bandits, Kachallah Buzu, by troops in Zamfara is a testament to the President’s commitment to combating banditry and terrorism in the region.

“We praise the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for his recent visit to the NorthWest region, where he reviewed the operations of the troops and harmonized their efforts to combat banditry.

“The renaming of Operations Hadrin Daiji and Whirl Stroke to Operation Kasar Yamma is a welcome development, as it will enhance the coordination and effectiveness of the troops in the region.

“The NCFP commends the security chiefs for taking the fight to the terrorists and bandits, and for their tireless efforts in protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians.

“We urge them to sustain the recent onslaught against the bandits, and to ensure that the momentum is not lost. We also commend President Tinubu for fulfilling his promise to combat banditry and terrorism in the region.

“The recent successes recorded by the troops are a proof that the President’s efforts are yielding results, and we urge him to sustain the tempo.”

The statement emphasised that the fight against banditry and terrorism requires a sustained effort, and urged the President and the security agencies to remain vigilant and focused.

The statement concluded by reiterating the NCFP’s commitment to supporting the government and the security agencies in the fight against banditry and terrorism.

“The NCFP wishes to state that the fight against banditry and terrorism requires a sustained effort, and we urge the President and the security agencies to remain vigilant and focused,” Thomas added.

“We also urge the communities in the affected regions to cooperate with the troops and provide them with the necessary support and information to enable them to succeed.

“We praise the troops for their bravery and sacrifice, and we urge them to remain committed to the fight against banditry and terrorism.

“We also urge the government to provide the troops with the necessary equipment and resources to enable them to succeed”.

The recent visit by the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawale, to the United States of America has been commended by several Northern groups under the North Central Stakeholders Forum for its immense significance in addressing the fight against terrorism and other security challenges in Nigeria.

The Stakeholders Forum, in a statement signed by its Convener, Mohammed A. Mohammed noted that the visit, which involved engaging in discussions with members of the US Congress, was meant to strengthen bilateral cooperation, share intelligence, and seek support in combating terrorism.

“The importance of this visit cannot be overstated, as it holds the potential to bring about positive changes in Nigeria’s security landscape” they said.

The Forum said first and foremost, the visit by Minister Matawale signifies the commitment of the Nigerian government to tackle the issue of terrorism head-on.

“By reaching out to the United States, a global superpower with extensive experience in counterterrorism efforts, Matawale is demonstrating the willingness of Nigeria to learn from the best and adopt effective strategies in combating terrorism. This proactive approach is crucial in addressing the security challenges that have plagued the country for far too long.”

They said engaging in discussions with members of the US Congress is another significant step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

“The exchange of ideas, sharing of intelligence, and collaboration on counterterrorism efforts can greatly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to combat terrorism. The United States has a wealth of knowledge and resources that can be tapped into, and this visit provides an opportunity for Nigeria to leverage these assets for the benefit of its citizens,” the Forum pointed out.

They said seeking support from the United States in the fight against terrorism is a wise move by the Defense Minister Matawale.

“Terrorism is a global issue that requires a collective response, and the support of the international community is crucial in effectively addressing this menace.

“By reaching out to the United States, the Minister is signaling Nigeria’s commitment to working with other nations to eradicate terrorism and create a safer world for all.”

The visit by Minister Matawale, the groups explained, also highlights the importance of intelligence sharing in the fight against terrorism which is a complex and ever-evolving threat.

“Timely and accurate intelligence is essential in staying one step ahead of the terrorists. By engaging with the United States, Nigeria can tap into their vast intelligence network and benefit from their expertise in gathering and analyzing intelligence.

“This collaboration can significantly enhance Nigeria’s ability to detect and prevent terrorist activities, ultimately leading to a more secure and stable nation,” they said.