Bala Mairiga, the Zamfara State Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, expressed strong confidence in the newly formed Community Protection Guards (CPG) and stated that the state would take an offensive approach while the terrorists would be forced to defend themselves.

During a press briefing in his office in Gusau, the state capital, Mairiga highlighted the serious collaboration between Governor Dauda Lawal and security chiefs to address the worsening security situation in the state.

He emphasized that the bandits would be compelled to relocate from Zamfara due to the superior forces they would face.

The commissioner explained that the recent attacks on communities were an attempt to pressure the governor into accepting a peace accord and reconciliation with the terrorists, which Lawal had vehemently opposed.

“Since the beginning of this administration, Governor Lawal has repeatedly stated that his government has no intention of reconciling with bandits,” Mairiga affirmed. “We will engage them in a ‘fire for fire’ operation. Anyone advocating for reconciliation with the bandits is doing so on their own.”

Mairiga further revealed the establishment of the Petroleum Task Force (PTF) to effectively monitor all filling stations in the state. By denying the bandits access to fuel, the tension would be reduced as the terrorists rely on fuel and other supplies to carry out their activities.

“We will block all channels to ensure that the bandits are forced to surrender and leave the state,” he added.

The commissioner also mentioned that the state government has recorded a 40% reduction in banditry activities. With the introduction of the Community Protection Guards, he assured that the fight against bandits would take on a new dimension.