Gobir Backs Renewed Military Offensive Against Terrorists, Bandits in Sokoto

Former Senator Abdullahi Gobir has thrown his weight behind the renewed military offensive against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups operating in Sokoto East and other vulnerable parts of Sokoto State.

Gobir, a member of the Niger Delta Development Commission, said repeated attacks on rural communities were threatening lives, farming, livelihoods and economic activities. He urged the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to maintain the pressure until the criminal networks behind killings, kidnappings and displacement are dismantled.

“The people of Sokoto have endured enough. Terrorists and bandits must not be allowed to dictate the future of our communities or hold innocent citizens hostage through fear and violence,” he said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The former lawmaker praised the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Community Guards Corps for stepping up operations. He said the deployment of more personnel and military equipment to vulnerable locations showed a determination to retake communities affected by insecurity.

Gobir said sustained military pressure could reduce the criminals’ ability to operate and restore confidence in areas including Sabon Birni, Isa and neighbouring communities. However, he stressed that military action must be supported by strong intelligence gathering and cooperation from local residents.

“Intelligence is the eyes of every successful security operation, and communities must become the eyes and ears of our security agencies,” he said, calling on residents to report suspicious movements, hideouts, planned attacks and other information that could help security agencies disrupt criminal networks.

He also warned people who harbour, finance or provide logistical support to terrorists and bandits. Gobir particularly condemned those who allegedly leak the movements of security personnel to criminals, describing such acts as a threat that could expose both security officers and entire communities to deadly attacks.

The former senator urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, community heads and youth groups to work more closely with security agencies. He said restoring peace in Sokoto would allow farmers, traders and other residents to return to their farms, markets and homes without fear, while stronger community intelligence would make it harder for criminal groups to recruit, resupply and evade security forces.