By Musa Ubandawaki

GUSAU — Residents of several communities in Zamfara State have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, over the improved security situation recorded during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The residents, who spoke with journalists in Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Talata Mafara and other communities, said the relative peace witnessed during the Sallah period was a marked improvement from previous years characterised by bandit attacks, fear and restricted movement.

Many of them attributed the development to intensified military operations, increased deployment of security personnel and enhanced collaboration among security agencies under the Federal Government’s counter-banditry efforts in the North-West.

A political leader in Maru Local Government Area, Idris Abubakar Dangulbi, said the peaceful atmosphere experienced during the festive period reflected the impact of recent security measures introduced by the Tinubu administration.

“People were able to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir with a sense of relief. Communities that previously lived in fear witnessed relative calm, and this has restored confidence among residents,” he said.

Dangulbi also commended Matawalle for supporting military operations aimed at restoring peace in Zamfara and neighbouring states.

Another resident, Malam Ibrahim Lawal, said improved security enabled many families to travel and reunite with loved ones during the celebrations.

“This is one of the few festive periods in recent years where many families could move around with less fear. Markets were active, roads were busier and people attended Eid prayers peacefully,” he said.

Checks across major commercial centres in the state showed increased economic activities during the Sallah celebrations, with traders reporting improved patronage.

A foodstuff dealer in Talata Mafara, Rukayya Sani, said the relative peace translated into better business opportunities for traders and transport operators.

“We thank the government and security agencies for their efforts. This Sallah was more peaceful, and many traders recorded better sales because people were confident enough to come out and celebrate,” she said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Zamfara State Progressive Development Union, ZAPPU, Dr Aliyu Sadauki Gusau, acknowledged the sacrifices of security personnel deployed to troubled communities across the state.

“The visible presence of troops in several flashpoints contributed immensely to maintaining peace during the festivities. We urge the Federal Government not to relent in sustaining the momentum against banditry and other criminal activities affecting communities in the North-West,” he said.

He called for improved logistics support, intelligence gathering and stronger community engagement to consolidate the gains recorded by security agencies.

A security expert and retired military officer, Major Ibrahim Musa Danmairogo (retd), described the recent improvement as encouraging, saying it had renewed hope among residents, particularly farmers and travellers.

“The gallant troops battling day and night to ensure the safety of the people deserve commendation. The improved security situation along the Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto corridors is encouraging and gives renewed hope to farmers, travellers and rural communities,” he said.

Residents expressed hope that ongoing security operations would be sustained to further restore stability, protect livelihoods and strengthen public confidence across the state.