GOVERNOR Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has pledged to donate five operational vehicles to the police force in the Maradi Region of Niger Republic as part of a regional effort to combat cross-border crime.
Over recent years, Zamfara State has been plagued by incidences of banditry and armed robbery and very often, the criminals slip across the border into neighbouring Niger Republic after committing their crimes. Maradi Region and Zamfara State share a border and to help the police in Niger Republic track these criminals, Governor Matawalle is equipping them with vehicles.
According to the governor, the measure is part of his determination to continue to explore ways to a lasting security and sustainable peace in Zamfara State. Governor Matawalle made the pledged while hosting Prime Minister Brigi Refini of Niger Republic who paid him a visit in Gusau to discuss how Zamfara State can collaborate with Niger Republic to end the prevailing insecurity.
Prime Minister Refini said the efforts of Governor Matawalle are commendable, stressing that such co-operation will bring new ideas and understanding on how to collectively end criminal activities. According to the governor, apart from the vehicles, Zamfara State has already provided the border security of Niger Republic with drones to cut off the supply of weapons to criminal elements.
Governor Matawalle said he is aware that due to the pressure, those who smuggle weapons into Nigeria from Niger Republic have now have resorted to using camels. He assured that the synergy will help in great measure to flush out the recalcitrant bandits and restore peace, which will enable economic activities to thrive again in the state and beyond.
