The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has issued a stern warning to individuals providing information to bandits, urging them to stop their activities and turn towards a more righteous path.

During an official visit to assess the situation in Gundumi village and the Isa and Sabon Birni local government areas in Sokoto State, Matawalle expressed grave concerns over the role of informants in the ongoing banditry crisis.

Matawalle warned that if these informants do not repent, they would face severe consequences, including death.

He emphasized that those who continue aiding the bandits are not only endangering their communities but are also working against the efforts of the government to restore peace and security in the region.

The minister’s message was clear: such acts of betrayal would no longer be tolerated, and informants must either change their ways or face elimination.

The visit to Gundumi village, once a bustling hub of activity, brought into sharp focus the impact of banditry on local communities.

Matawalle was visibly pained by the state of the village, which had once thrived with business and daily life but has now been reduced to a shadow of its former self due to frequent attacks by bandits.

Most of the population has fled, leaving behind only a handful of residents struggling to survive.

Determined to bring about a turnaround, Matawalle assured the people of Gundumi that the government would soon establish a military base in the area, aimed at boosting security and restoring confidence among the locals.

He expressed optimism that with increased military presence, the village could once again become a thriving community.

He also called on the residents to play their part by cooperating with security forces and refusing to give in to the temptations of working with bandits.

The issue of banditry has been a long-standing challenge in Sokoto State and other parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups continue to wreak havoc on villages and towns.

These groups, often well-armed and organized, have been known to attack communities, steal livestock, and abduct residents for ransom.

Informants, who provide crucial information to bandits about the movements of security forces or potential targets, have made it difficult for law enforcement agencies to effectively combat these criminal elements.

Matawalle’s warning to these informants highlights the government’s growing frustration with the situation and its determination to root out any internal collaborators.

By setting up military bases and increasing the presence of security forces in affected areas, the government hopes to reclaim territories lost to bandits and restore a sense of normalcy to the region.

Matawalle, who has been actively involved in efforts to address insecurity in Nigeria, emphasized that the fight against banditry requires the cooperation of everyone.

He urged community leaders and local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, assuring them that their safety is a priority for the government.

As the situation continues to unfold, many in Sokoto State are hopeful that the government’s renewed efforts to combat banditry, alongside the warnings issued to informants, will bring about the much-needed peace and stability that the region has been yearning for.