Degrading of banditry: Ohanaeze youths pass vote of confidence on Matawalle, military high command

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has lauded the Nigerian Military over the recent onslaught against bandits.

This came as the military neutralized top bandits within the past few weeks, a development that has received accolades from across the country. 

In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, said the recent feat by the Military had reignited hope in the hearts of Nigerians. 

Okwu said bandits, who hitherto acted like they were invincible had been decimated by the military in what he called “a determined vigour to take back the country from terrorists.”

According to him, “our hearts glide with joy over the recent feat recorded by the Nigerian Military in the fight against bandits and terrorists. 

“For several months, these bandits instilled fear in the minds of Nigerians as they acted and operated as though they were invincible. 

“However, all that has changed with the recent onslaught by the Military against them, like never before. 

“There is a clear indication that the President Bola Tinubu’s order that the security chiefs should relocate to the North West and wipe out banditry, has made remarkable impacts. 

“Our kudos goes to the Minister of State, Defence, Bello Matawalle and the Service Chiefs for this collaborative action which has rekindled hope in the hearts of Nigerians.

“The degradation of the bandits' operations, which has even culminated into an internal war among them, is no mean feat. 

“We are proud of the Nigerian Military and the Defence Minister, State, Malawalle, who has shown commitment towards the restoration of peace and security across the Nigerian states. 

“The Minister coordinated the operation in the North West, which success we are all celebrating. We pass a vote of confidence in him and the other defence chiefs and urge them to maintain the tempo.

“We commend Matawalle, the Military High Command, the intelligence agencies, and the troops for their valiant efforts, synergy and dedication, which have resulted in the recent laudable outcomes.”

While saluting President Tinubu on the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, Okwu urged him to continue to keep faith with his security chiefs “as we are proud of their recent achievements. 

“All we ask for is that Nigerians should continue to encourage them as they carry out this very important duty of securing the country.”

“Having said this, we also urge Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal to end further distraction of the Defence Minister, State, Matawalle and allow him to concentrate on his onerous service to the nation. 

“Security should be fully detached from politics, as Governor Lawal is currently doing. It is not in the best interest of the country.

“We also call on Matawalle and the other security chiefs to remain undaunted and not be distracted as the good people of Nigeria appreciate their sense of dedication to duty,” Okwu further stated.