The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said investigations were actively underway into allegations of bandit sponsorship in the North West region.

The Minister of State for Defence and immediate past governor of Zamfara, Bello Matawalle, and his successor, Dauda Lawal, have accused each other of sponsoring bandits.

On Tuesday, Matawalle challenged Lawal to swear on the Holy Qur?an that he had no involvement in the sponsorship of bandits.

In response, Lawal vowed to release evidence against the minister, adding that he had also reported the matter to the National Security Adviser.

When asked about the military?s role regarding the allegations involving two influential Nigerians, the Director of Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, stated at a press briefing that relevant agencies tasked with such responsibilities are diligently investigating the matter, though he did not mention any names.

He said, ?And when you talk about what?s going on about the sponsors, I can assure you that the relevant agencies that are saddled with that responsibility are doing a good job. And sooner than later, you will hear some announcements in that regard.?

Buba said notwithstanding, the military was focused on winning the war against banditry, and has focused on destroying their fighting will.

He said, ?Winning a war is destroying the enemy?s will to fight. When you destroy the enemy?s will to fight, the war is over, you have won the war. And that?s why we are focused on destroying the enemy?s will to fight.?

Speaking on the troops? achievements between July and September 2024, Buba said a total of 1,937 terrorists were killed among which 65 were notable leaders.

He said, ?Troops? offensive actions culminated in the neutralization of over 65 notable terrorist leaders, commanders, and combatants across all theatres of operations. Significant terrorist leaders were eliminated from the battlefield.

?These include Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Matawal Bitrus, Thomas Benedict, Mohammed Sani, Rimamy (aka Omo), Terkimbi Injoko, Jacob Uzege, Ibn Kasir, Kachalla ?an Baleri, Kachallah Halilu Jimmare (Buzu), Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Kachalla Dan Mani Na Inna, Kachalla Basiru Zakarriya and Ofem Igwe among others.

?Overall, in the third quarter of this year, troops neutralised 1,937 terrorists, arrested 2,782 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements as well as rescued 1,854 kidnapped hostages. Furthermore, troops recovered 1,304 weapons and 43,347 ammunition.?

He added that troops recovered crude oil worth N13bn within the duration under review.

Buba said, ?Troops denied oil theft of an estimated sum over N13,081,605,534.00 only.12,143,870 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,623,216 litres of illegally refined AGO, 6,970 litres of DPK, and 31,450 litres of PMS amongst other items. Accordingly, the nation?s daily crude oil production output is at an all-time high, with the nation?s daily target in sight.? (The PUNCH)