Governor Bello Matawallen of Zamfara State has disclosed that bandits expressed willingness to lay down their arms, calling on the Nigerian Army to suspend combat operations in the state.
In a statement by Mr Matawalle’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications, Zailani Bappa, said the governor told the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai at the Army Headquarters during a special visit by the governor.
“The leaders of the bandits have assured us that if the Military suspend their operations, they, too, will lay down their arms”, Mr Bappa quoted the governor as saying.
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According to Mr Bappa, the COAS promised to support the Matawalle administration in its efforts at ending banditry and all forms of crimes through peaceful means.
“To the glory of God today, tremendous achievement has been recorded. We are ready to go along with the steps you have taken and also not to allow the peace process to fail,” Mr Buratai assured.
