By Hosea Parah
The Northern Group for Peace and Development has urged northerners to expose terrorists, kidnappers and bandits, warning against allowing criminal elements to define the region’s identity.
The National Coordinator of NGPD, Gidado Muktar, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
Muktar also commended the armed forces, led by defence chief Olufemi Oluyede, for recent operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Borno, Kogi and Kebbi. He applauded troops of Operation HADIN KAI for repelling an ISWAP attack on their positions in Kukawa, Borno, on Saturday.
According to him, several terrorists, including high-profile members of the group’s Shura Council and commanders, were reportedly killed during the engagement.
Muktar commended troops for discovering and detonating an improvised explosive device along the Baga-Cross Road and the reported arrest of seven suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers in Damasak.
He praised troops of the Nigerian Army’s 21 Battalion Quick Reaction Force for destroying a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela-Odolu council area of Kogi.
Muktar said the troops recovered 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, motorcycles and other items during the operation. He also applauded troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE and operatives of the State Security Service for arresting a suspected kidnapper.
According to him, the suspect allegedly demanded N200,000 from a female resident under threat of abduction.
Muktar commended troops for killing two suspected bandits during an intelligence-led ambush along the Adankolo-Apata Road in Kogi.
“We also commend troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA for rescuing 11 kidnapped victims in separate operations in Ribah town and the Wasagu-Falfala general area of the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.
“The North belongs to millions of peace-loving, hard-working and law-abiding citizens. We cannot allow a handful of criminal elements to destroy our communities, undermine our economy and give our region a bad name. Northerners must reject, expose and refuse to protect those involved in these criminal activities,” he said.
Muktar urged the military and other security agencies to sustain operations against criminal hideouts, supply networks and collaborators.
He also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and community associations to support security agencies with credible and timely information.
Muktar urged the federal government to provide the military with adequate equipment, logistics, intelligence support and improved personnel welfare.