Mohammed Shosanya
The Federal Government is accelerating the Kinetic Approach to the fight against terrorism and banditry with the establishment of the 50 Billion Naira Pulako Initiative.
The Minister of Information, and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris told a consortium of Media Representatives during Iftar (breaking of Fast) in Kano on Wednesday evening.
He explained that the initiative is targeting seven frontline states in the battle against banditry and cattle-rustling.
Mohammed listed Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, Benue, and Kebbi States as beneficiaries.
He added that,under the initiative, the Federal Government of Nigeria will build houses, clinics, schools, veterinary hospitals, empowerment initiatives, solar energy, and other infrastructure needs in the communities worst affected by banditry.
According to him,in February 2024, Armed Forces neutralized 974 terrorists, apprehended 621 suspects, rescued 466 hostages, and recovered 1,573 weapons.
He also said,the Nigerian government is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians and visitors to the country.
He said:”Our security agencies have been very busy, doing their best to keep us all safe.Military has been taking delivery of new weapons and equipment, to strengthen the fight against banditry and terrorism. For example, the Nigerian Air Force this month inducted 4 new aircraft into service. “
“The Nigerian Military (supported by the Police and Intelligence agencies) has been taking the war to bandits’ and terrorists’ camps and hideouts, especially in the North-West and the FCT, and we are seeing the results.”
He maintained that “The situation in Abuja has been brought under control, every week there is a news report about bandits routed and camps destroyed
“Through the collaborative endeavours of the Armed Forces, the state government, and communities, we have made substantial progress in containing the security situation in Niger State.
” The gory tale of bandits raiding villages and taxing farmers in the state has abated in recent times.While we continue to make strides in combating violent crimes, I must acknowledge that there are still isolated attacks by bandits and criminal elements in certain areas”.
According to him, “it is important to stress that these sporadic attacks do not diminish the progress made so far in ensuring the security of lives in our communities.”
The Minister,however,cautioned that “as media leaders, we must be very careful to not play into their hands, through reporting that might be misleading or sensational or that undermines the morale of our security personnel.”
On fight against oil theft,Idris disclosed that:”over 6,000 illegal refineries have been deactivated and over 4,000 illegal pipelines disconnected – and recording success.
He further revealed that “Oil production has grown steadily since Q2 2023, rising from 1.22m barrels per day to 1.55 million barrels per day in Q4 2023”.
2233200cookie-checkTerrorism: Kaduna,Niger,5 Others To Benefit From FG’s N50bn Pulako Initiative
