Cyril Mbah, Abuja.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has emphasized the need for the government and security agencies to adopt proactive and decisive measures in tackling terrorism and banditry, particularly targeting diehard criminal elements hiding in forests.
Dr. Ganduje, who said that bandits can be completely defeated when strategies are effectively addressed, praised the nation’s military for the recent successes recorded against banditry in Nigeria.
The APC national chairman, who made the remarks while speaking during a sympathy visit to Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Umar Bago, recomended an offensive-based strategy that will allow the security forces to take the initiative in operations to counter terrorism and banditry.
Ganduje also praised the efforts of Governor Bago in maintaining peace within the state despite its vast landmass, ethnic diversity and numerous forests.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje was quoted to have expressed concern about the reactive approach often adopted by security agencies in tackling insecurity.
He strongly advocated for frequent military raid of forests, as it was successfully implemented in Kano during his tenure as Kano State Governor, when Falgore Forest was transformed into a military training ground, to help eliminate criminal elements in the area.
“We appreciate how you keep Niger state safe because Niger State has the largest land mass and with the highest numbers of forest in the country which is a herculean task to keep the peace within its environs.
“Your Excellency the solution to this menace is to conquer the forest. The bandits are in the forests. Why have we been on the defensive instead of being on the offensive? When I was the governor of Kano State, I requested through the Federal Government that the military should take over Falgore Forest and the military built a military training ground there that was how bandits were chased away from that forest and Kano is today at peace.“
Ganduje also conveyed his condolences to the people of Niger State over the recent tanker explosion that claimed numerous lives, offering prayers and support to the families of the victims.
“We are here to pray with our friend, our brother and the good people of Niger State. We sincerely condole with the government and the good people of Niger, the families of the deceased and the injured ones.”
In his response, Governor Bago appreciated the solidarity visit from the APC leadership and he urged the Federal Government to address critical infrastructure, such as repairing the Suleja-Minna road, to reduce accidents and improve safety in the state.
“I am standing before you on behalf of Nigerlites, we really appreciate this visit. We are doing a lot to create awareness among our people about the dangers of scooping fuel whenever such an accident occurs.”
