The Federal Government, on Friday, ordered the Miilitary High Command to increase operations in Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna states in order to check the activities of bandits in the area.

The directive followed a protest by residents of Gonin Gora, Kakau Ward, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, who blocked the Kaduna-Abuja highway following the killing of two local vigilantes and abduction of several persons by bandits.

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, while speaking to newsmen in Abuja, explained that the government has directed the miilitary to ensure a more proactive approach in decimating bandits in the region.

The minister also called for synergy among security agencies on order to wipe out insurgency and other forms of criminality in the North-West.

According to the minister, the safety and well-being of the citizens remain paramount and it is imperative that decisive action be taken to curb the menace of terrorism and banditry in the communities.

He said, “Enhanced security in the region will not only safeguard the lives and properties of our people but also improve the quality of farming and irrigation.

“Farmers will be able to cultivate their lands without fear of attacks, thus ensuring food security and economic prosperity for the region.”

The minister added that President Bola Tinubu is determined to tackle insecurity head-on and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens, and called for cooperation from all stakeholders to support security agencies in their efforts to rid the region of criminal elements.