Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
The federal government is accelerating the kinetic approach to the fight against terrorism and banditry in the country with the establishment of the N50 billion Pulako Initiative, targeting seven frontline states in the battle against banditry and cattle rustling.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this journalists during Iftar (breaking of Fast) last Wednesday evening in Kano.
He said the initiative has targeted at Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, Benue, and Kebbi States in the battle against banditry and cattle rustling.
According to him, under the Initiative, the Federal of Government Nigeria will build houses, clinics, schools, veterinary hospitals, empowerment initiatives, solar energy, and other infrastructure needs in the communities worst affected by banditry.
According to him, “The Nigerian Government is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians and visitors to our country. Our security agencies have been very busy, doing their best to keep us all safe.
“The military has been taking delivery of new weapons and equipment to strengthen the fight against banditry and terrorism. For example, the Nigerian Air Force this month inducted four new aircraft into service.”
The minister added: “The Nigerian military (supported by the Police and Intelligence agencies) has been taking the war to bandits and terrorists’ camps and hideouts, especially in the Northwest and the FCT, and we are seeing the results.”
Idris commended the efforts of the Nigerian army and other security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism, and banditry, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The situation in Abuja has been brought under control, every week there is a news report about bandits routed and camps destroyed.“We are seeing testimonials of people safely making journeys they were not daring to months ago, like the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.”
The minister further explained that In February 2024, the Nigerian Armed Forces neutralised 974 terrorists, apprehended 621 suspects, rescued 466 hostages, and recovered 1,573 weapons
