By ISHAQ ZAKI

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle has directed the military to intensify operations to rescue the Council Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara, Alhaji Nura Abdullahi and his family members.

Matawalle in a statement issued in Gusau on Sunday, condoled with people of Bungudu Emirate and Zamfara Government over the recent terrorist attacks in Bungudu and other communities in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Theatre Command of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) had confirmed the abduction of the Chairman at his residence in the early hours of Saturday.

OPFY also confirmed that four persons including two police personnel, the chairman’s security detail and a vigilante were killed during the incident.

The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring security despite the recent escalation of reported attacks in some areas across the north west.

“I direct the leadership of Operation Fansan Yamma to remain steadfast and relentless in the ongoing fight against terrorism alongside other security agencies operating in the affected areas.

“I instructed Operation Fansan Yamma and all military formations engaged in counter-terrorism operations across the region, particularly Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna States to intensify their efforts.

“The security operatives should adopt every lawful and necessary measure to eliminate terrorist activities through surgical operations without mercy,” the Minister said.

Matawalle further appealed to the public, particularly traditional and community leaders to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely intelligence on individuals who aid or collaborate with terrorists by supplying information used to carry out attacks on rural communities.

He further directed senior military commanders overseeing the most volatile operational areas to strengthen surveillance and increase patrols aimed at identifying and destroying terrorist hideouts, targets and safe havens before they can be used to launch further attacks.

He commended the gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces and other security personnel, praising their recent successes in neutralising several high-profile and low-level terrorists in Gummi, Bukkuyum, Anka, Tsafe, Faskari, and other locations.

He urged the troops to sustain the momentum and continue to apply decisive pressure until terrorism is completely defeated across all affected parts of the country. (NAN)