Nigerian military forces are recording huge strides in the war against insecurity in Zamfara state as many bandits’ leaders and their foot soldiers have been killed during raids in the state, Daily Trust Reports.
They were reportedly killed by ground troops and through aerial reconnaissance since the blockage of communication and restriction of movement in the state.
It can be recalled that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) directed all telecommunication operators in the country to suspend services to Zamfara and its environs for two weeks, effective Friday, September 3, 2021.
A military official said they were recording successes in the ongoing massive onslaught against notorious bandits in Zamfara and its environs. He added that residents were cooperating with them in the battle against the bandits and criminals who had wrecked the lives of many in the state.
He also revealed that the newly acquired Super Tucano aircraft are not being used in the operations. He said, “We are not using it in this operation. It is our alpha jets that we are using and the clearance is massive and successful.”
The source, who does not want to be named, said the operation was being carried out by the military and sister security agencies.
“It is an all-around operation involving the army, the air force and DSS. We are happy that locals are supporting us with useful information,” he said.
Residents in Zamfara have reportedly said they are willing to endure the disruption of telecommunications services in the state no matter how long it would take if it would bring back lasting peace in the state.A resident who gave his name as Aminu Muhammed, said.“We must exercise patience and exhibit some semblance of perseverance. We have suffered a lot as a people. We wouldn’t complain about whatever measures put in place by the authorities to arrest the situation,
“Of course, we are suffering because you can’t communicate with anyone via the telephone. If you want to even greet your brother, you will have to go and look for him so that you meet face to face. It has increased the burden of our livelihood but is okay.”
Another resident, Iliyasu Sani, shared similar sentiments adding that things that were made easy with the advent of mobile telecommunications were now difficult after the services were seized.
“We didn’t know that telecommunications have made things easy for us…Life is tough now because you are restricted,
“I had to travel to Funtua to collect some caps. I could have just asked someone to deliver the message through commercial drivers had the services not been disrupted.
“But, in as long as the measure would bring back peace to the state, we would have no problem with that. It is just temporary. It is a matter of life and death. We have been at the mercy of criminals for quite a long time,” he said.