Top echelon of the nation’s Defence Ministry, led by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, yesterday arrived in Sokoto, following a presidential directive.

Their going to Sokoto was aimed at working out modalities to end the escalating insecurity caused by terrorism, banditry and sundry criminal activities in Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states, as well as other parts of the Northwest.

The team, which arrived the Seat of Caliphate via Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto, included the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa; the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI); and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Maj.-Gen. E. A. P. Undiandeye (retd.).

Their presence is said to be in line with Federal Government’s renewed efforts to rid the region of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other crimes.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed the Minister of State for Defence, the CDS and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto, which houses the headquarters of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division of the Nigeria Army, comprising Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states along with the Ministry of Defence.

Also, Matawalle yesterday directed troops to flush bandits out of the Northwest.

The minister said this while addressing troops of Operation Hadarin Daji at the 8 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto.

The minister said President Tinubu was very concerned about the security of the country.

“Do not be discouraged by the recent incident. The GOC is given full support. I urge you to finish the good job.

“We love you, support you and are here for you. May God give you the wisdom and strength to flush out all these criminals,” he said.