Following increase in the activities of bandits in various parts of the state, Zamfara state government has directed individuals to obtain firearms with a view to depending themselves against incessant attacks by terrorists.
The directive is contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Ibrahim Magaji Dosara, the state’s commissioner of Information.
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Dosara explained that the state government is commitment to ensure adequate security and protection of lives and property of the citizenry in the state.
He added that government is concern about peoples security particularly during this rainy season, hence, government has resolved to take further measures to deal with the recent escalating attacks, kidnapping and the criminal levies being enforced on our innocent communities.
“This act of terrorism has been a source of worry and concern to the people and government of the state. Therefore, in order to deal decisively with the situation in our respective communities, government has no option than to take the following measures:
“A. Government has henceforth, directed individuals to prepare and obtain guns to defend themselves against the bandits, as government has directed the state commissioner of police to issue license to all those who qualify and are wishing to obtain such guns to defend themselves. Government is ready to facilitate people, especially our farmers to secure basic weapons for defending themselves. Government has already concluded arrangement to distribute 500 forms to each of the 19 Emirates in the state for those willing to obtain guns to defend themselves.
“B. People must apply from the Commissioner of Police, license to own guns and such other basic weapons to be used in defending themselves.
“C. A secretariat or centre will be established for the collection of intelligence on the activities of informants.
“D. people are strictly warned and advised to make sure that any information or intelligence about an informant must be true and nothing but the truth, as all information on such informants must carry correct data on the suspects, including their pictures, correct names, address, occupation and witness to testify the genuity of the information given, as government is taking punitive measures against any one found as informant. Any person who give wrong information against anybody, will be served the same punishment with an informant and will be treated as such.
“E. Government has requested the state House of Assembly to pass, as matter of urgency, the informants bill before it, to enable government take the drastic measures on informants as contained in the bill.
“F. Government has ordered for the recruitment of 200 additional Community Protection Guards in each of the 19 emirates of the state, making it 500 per emirate, to increase their manpower and strengthen its force and capacity to deal with the bandits.”
The statement added that to further ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of these measures, as well the proper implementation of these measures, government has formed three main committee.
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The commissioner explained that the committees includes Special Committee to receive intelligence on the activities of informants. The committee has the following composition: Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe Sardau (Lamidon Kaura) as Chairman, Alh Ibrahim Sulaiman Chief of Staff to the Governor, Deputy Inspector General of Police (rtd) Mamman Ibrahim Tsafe Commissioner Security, Ibrahim Magaji Dosara Commissioner Information as members.
Others are Hon Nasiru Masama Commissioner Youths, Sani Abdullahi Wamban Shinkafi Honorary Adviser to the Governor, Hon Abubakar Mohammed Dauran Specie Adviser Security, Hon Sanusi Wanzammai Commissioner, State INEC, Captain Mai Riga T/ Mafara, Sani Gwamna Mayanchi and Alhaji Bello Bakyasuwa Soja to serve as the secretary to the committee.
The committee, according to the statement will get its terms of reference from the office of the SSG on Monday.
The government also formed a paramilitary unit to support control and command to properly and effectively reinforce the operations of our community protection guards CPG.
The unit has Retired Commissioner of Police Mamman Anka as Commandant General, Capt Aminu Mada rtd as Deputy Commandant General Operations, Sulaiman Lawali Zurmi as Commandant Operations, Bashir Nafiu Gusau as Commandant Mobilization and Alh Aliyu Na’ibi Karakkai – Commandant Surveillance and Intelligence.
Other members of the control and command Centre of the Community Protection Guards are Alhaji Shi’itu Makera T/Mafara, Alhaji Bello Dankurmi and Alhaji Dogo Na Bukkuyum.
The statement further stated that government has also re- constituted the state committee on prosecution of banditry related offences. Dr Sani Abdullahi Wanban Shinkafi is now the Chairman of the unit while Alhaji Ibrahim Sulaiman Chief of Staff to the Governor, Rtd Justice Nasiru Umar Gummi and CP Mamman Anka rtd, Engr Mamuda Aliyu Maradun as members.
Others members of the unit included Representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, DSS, Civil Defence Corps and Hunters while Barr Aminu Junaidu Kaura who is the Attorney General and Commissioner for justice will serve as Secretary to the committee.
Furthermore, in view of the deteriorating security situation in Mada, Wonaka, and Ruwan Bore Districts of Gusau local government, as well as Yandoto emirate in Tsafe local government, government has approved the immediate closure of all markets and Abattoir in these districts and Yandoto emirate indefinitely.
In addition to this, government has equally banned riding of motorbikes and selling of petroleum products in Mada, Wonaka and Ruwan Bore districts, as well as Yandoto emirate.
“Henceforth, all filling stations on the affected areas are hereby closed with immediate effect. Anybody found riding motorbike within the areas is considered as bandits and security agencies are thereby directed to shoot such persons at sight. Security agencies are by this announcement directed to ensure strict compliance.
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“Anybody found violating this order should be dealt with according to the rule of law. Government would not condone any act where innocent people are being killed. Government is also using this medium to thank all those who honoured and respect the peace dialogue in what ever form.
“In the same vein, those who refused to honour and respect the peace dialogue are here by warned to allow peace within our respective communities. Government is hereby directing the military, police, civil defence and other security agencies to mobilise their operatives and take fight to the enclaves of the criminals with immediate effect,” the state concluded.
