The Minister of Information, Muhammad Idiris, has warned media practitioners to be careful not to help bandits and kidnappers with their reporting.
He also revealed that in February 2024, the Nation’s Armed Forces took down 974 terrorists, arrested 621 suspects, rescued 466 hostages, and seized 1,573 weapons.
During a Ramadan Iftar event in Kano on Wednesday, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting the safety and welfare of all Nigerians and visitors.
“Our security agencies have been very busy, doing their best to keep us all safe. 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 4 new aircrafts into service,” he said.
He mentioned that the Nigerian Military, with support from the Police and Intelligence agencies, has been actively engaging bandits and terrorists in their camps and hideouts, particularly in the North-West and the FCT, emphasizing, “we are seeing the results.
“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.
“In February 2024, our Armed Forces neutralized 974 terrorists, apprehended 621 suspects, rescued 466 hostages, and recovered 1,573 weapons.”
Idiris stated that the Federal Government is ramping up efforts to combat terrorism and banditry by launching the 50 Billion Naira Pulako Initiative. This initiative is focused on seven key states – Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, Benue, and Kebbi – in the fight against banditry and cattle rustling.
He added, “under the Initiative, the Federal Government of Nigeria will build houses, clinics, schools, veterinary hospitals, empowerment initiatives, solar energy, and other infrastructure needs in the communities worst affected by banditry.
“Fight against oil theft is ramping up – over 6,000 illegal refineries have been deactivated and over 4,000 illegal pipelines disconnected; oil production has grown steadily since Q2 2023, rising from 1.22m barrels per day to 1.55 million barrels per day in Q4 2023.
“In the North Central in particular, due to the concerted efforts of our security forces, the so-called farmer-herder clashes have been significantly reduced to the barest minimum.
“Through the collaborative endeavours of the Armed Forces, the state government and the communities, we have made substantial progress in containing the security situation in Niger State.
“The gory tale of bandits raiding villages and taxing farmers in the state has abated in recent times.
“While we continue to make strides in combating violent crimes, I must acknowledge that there are still isolated attacks by bandits and criminal elements in certain areas. However, it is important to stress that these sporadic attacks do not diminish the progress made so far in ensuring the security of lives in our communities.”
