The Northern Group for Peace and Development urges Northerners to expose terrorists, kidnappers and bandits, warning that criminal elements must not be allowed to destroy communities or tarnish the region’s reputation.
The group also commends the Armed Forces of Nigeria for recent operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Borno, Kogi and Kebbi states, urging residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence.
The National Coordinator of NGPD, Gidado Muktar, makes the call in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.
Muktar praises the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and troops for sustained operations against criminal groups, particularly the recent resistance to an ISWAP attack on military positions in Kukawa, Borno, on October 31.
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According to him, several terrorists, including high-ranking members of the group’s Shura Council and commanders, are reportedly neutralised during the engagement.
He also commends troops for discovering and detonating an improvised explosive device along the Baga-Cross Road and arresting seven suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers in Damasak.
The NGPD coordinator further applauds troops of the Nigerian Army’s 21 Battalion Quick Reaction Force for destroying a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela-Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Muktar says the operation leads to the recovery of 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, motorcycles and other items.
He also praises troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE and operatives of the Department of State Services for arresting a suspected kidnapper who allegedly demands ₦200,000 from a female resident under threat of abduction.
The coordinator also commends troops for neutralising two suspected bandits during an intelligence-led ambush along the Adankolo-Apata Road in Kogi State.
He applauds troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA for rescuing 11 kidnapped victims in separate operations in Ribah town and the Wasagu-Falfala general area of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.
“The North belongs to millions of peace-loving, hardworking 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 says.
Muktar urges the military and other security agencies to sustain operations against criminal hideouts, supply networks and collaborators.
He also calls on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and community associations to provide security agencies with credible and timely information.
The NGPD coordinator appeals to the Federal Government to equip the military with adequate weapons, logistics and intelligence support while improving personnel welfare.
He reaffirms the group’s support for the Armed Forces, stressing that restoring peace and security requires collective action by the government, security agencies and citizens.
NAN
