Matawalle orders military to intensify anti-terrorism push in Northwest

Nigeria's Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has instructed military units across the Northwest to ramp up counter-terrorism operations following a fresh wave of attacks in Zamfara State. The directive came after terrorists struck communities including Bungudu, killing several police officers and kidnapping a Local Government Chairman from his residence on Saturday.

Matawalle conveyed his sympathies to residents in a statement released Sunday through his media aide, Ahmed Dan-Wudil. The minister's order calls for military formations to adopt aggressive but lawful strategies against armed groups operating in the region.

Sources indicate Matawalle stressed the need for troops to pursue terrorists with heightened intensity while encouraging local communities to strengthen intelligence-sharing with security agencies. The Federal Government, through the minister, reaffirmed its dedication to restoring peace and order across the affected areas.

Matawalle's directive represents an escalation in the military's posture following what officials described as increased terrorist activity in the Northwest. The timing of the order underscores ongoing security challenges in Zamfara and neighbouring states, where armed groups have continued launching coordinated attacks on communities and security personnel.

The minister's emphasis on community cooperation suggests authorities are seeking to bolster ground-level support for security operations. The statement did not specify changes to troop deployments, resource allocation, or timelines for the intensified operations.

Military leadership in the Northwest has been tasked with implementing the directive across all active counter-terrorism units in the region.