The Northern Elders Political Development Group has commended the Minister of State Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their collaborative efforts with other security apparatuses in improving security in the North West region.

To this group, most towns and villages in the region observed their Eid-el-Fitr peacefully without recorded cases of bandit attacks as used to be the case, apart from pockets of unrest in Sokoto and Zamfara villages.

According to a statement signed by the group's secretary, Dr. Adamu Lawal Giwa, the commendation comes after the successful 'Operation of Fansa Yamma', which has destroyed bandits' enclaves in some areas in the North West.

"Improved security in the North West has significantly reduced challenges related to travelling and trading, particularly along major routes like Sokoto to Gusau and to Kano.

"There is also a decrease in reported sightings of large groups of bandits attacking or kidnapping people.

"The military's efforts have led to success in operations against banditry, especially in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina states," the group said.

It applauded the security chiefs as well as the gallant troops for the successes recorded so far.

The northern elders group also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and goodwill to the troops, saying his administration's measures have yielded positive results in reducing kidnapping and attacks by bandits in Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto states.

However, though concerns have been raised over reports of pockets of attacks in some villages of Sabon Birni and Isa in Sokoto State, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states, the group commended the military's sacrifice and efforts in ensuring the protection of people against banditry activities.