By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Residents of Shinkafi Local Government Area in Zamfara State have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, the Chief of Defence Staff, and Service Chiefs for their decisive military operations that weakened the influence of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji.

Dr. Suleiman Shuaibu Shinkafi, the Sarkin Shanu of Shinkafi and former Special Adviser under Matawalle’s administration, praised the efforts in an interview, highlighting the military’s success in decimating Turji’s stronghold.

“Over the past few days, terrorists in Shinkafi have been severely weakened. While Matawalle is not the overall Minister of Defence, he has worked with Minister Badaru to ensure that the fight against insecurity in Zamfara is conducted with the needed intensity,” he stated.

Dr. Shinkafi recounted Turji’s ultimatum on January 1 to attack Shinkafi, which he began carrying out daily. However, Matawalle swiftly responded by deploying the military, armoured tanks, and other resources to the area.

“Turji is now on the run with severe injuries. The military destroyed their food stores and continues to rescue captives and neutralize the bandits. We commend their sacrifice,” he added.

Dr. Shinkafi called for unity across political divides to tackle insecurity, urging Governor Dauda Lawal Dare to collaborate with Matawalle and other stakeholders for lasting peace in Zamfara.

“We are tired of killings and abductions. The military, DSS, and other security agencies have arrested key suspects in Shinkafi. This is unprecedented and highly commendable,” he noted.

He also praised Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani for initiating peace talks with bandits, emphasizing that dialogue remains a viable option. “We’ve used dialogue successfully in Zamfara before, enjoying over a year of peace,” he remarked.

Dr. Shinkafi acknowledged the Dauda Lawal administration’s establishment of Almajiri schools but urged the government to address the plight of mothers of rehabilitated Almajiri children who are now left without support.

Regarding Zamfara students overseas, he appealed to Governor Lawal Dare to intervene, noting that governance is a continuum and students need assistance.