March 21, (THEWILL)- The Federal Government says it is accelerating the kinetic approach to the fight against terrorism and banditry with the establishment of the N50 billion Pulako Initiative, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said.
Idris said the initiative is targeting seven frontline states in the battle against banditry and cattle rustling, namely Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, Benue and Kebbi.
He spoke at an Iftar (Breaking of Fast) and interactive session with media executives and practitioners organised by his ministry at the Armani Events Center, Kano, on Wednesday.
Under the initiative, he said, the Federal Government would build houses, clinics, schools, veterinary hospitals, solar energy and other infrastructure needs in the communities worst affected by banditry.
He said the Federal Government is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians and visitors to the country.
“Our security agencies have been very busy, doing their best to keep us all safe. The military has been taking delivery of new weapons and equipment to strengthen the fight against banditry and terrorism. For example, the Nigerian Air Force, this month, inducted 4 new aircraft into service.
“The Nigerian military (supported by the Police and intelligence agencies) has been taking the war to bandits and terrorists’ camps and hideouts, especially in the North West and the FCT, and we are seeing the results.
“The situation in Abuja has been brought under control, every week there is a news report about bandits routed and camps destroyed.
“We are seeing testimonies of people safely making journeys they were not daring to embark upon months ago, like the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.
“In February 2024, our Armed Forces neutralised 974 terrorists, apprehended 621 suspects, rescued 466 hostages, and recovered 1,573 weapons,” the Minister said.
He also disclosed that the fight against oil theft is ramping up as over 6,000 illegal refineries have been deactivated and over 4,000 illegal pipelines disconnected.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
