Residents across several communities in Zamfara State have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, over what they described as improved security during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in the state.
The residents, who spoke with journalists in Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Talata Mafara and other parts of the state, expressed satisfaction with the relative peace witnessed during the festive period, noting that many families and businesses celebrated without fear of attacks or disruptions.
The development comes amid intensified military operations and renewed security strategies by the Federal Government aimed at tackling banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities that have plagued Zamfara and neighbouring North-West states for several years.
Zamfara State has remained one of the states most affected by armed banditry in the country, with several rural communities previously experiencing attacks, kidnappings and displacement of residents.
However, recent coordinated operations involving the military and other security agencies have reportedly led to improved security in some parts of the state, especially along major highways and communities previously considered volatile.
A political leader from Maru Local Government Area, Idris Abubakar Dangulbi, attributed the peaceful atmosphere to renewed military offensives and coordinated security measures introduced by the federal government under President Tinubu’s administration.
According to him, the interventions and support being championed by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, have also contributed significantly to the improved situation in the state.
“The renewed security operations have brought relief to many communities. People are beginning to regain confidence, and this year’s Sallah celebration was more peaceful compared to previous years,” Dangulbi said.
Another resident, Malam Ibrahim Lawal, said the improved security situation enabled residents to travel freely and celebrate Eid-el-Kabir with their families and loved ones.
“This is one of the few festive periods in recent years where many families could move around with less fear. Markets were active, roads were busier, and people attended prayers peacefully,” he stated.
Traders in major markets across the state also reported increased commercial activities during the Sallah period, saying improved security boosted public confidence and economic activities.
A foodstuff dealer in Talata Mafara, Rukayya Sani, said businesses recorded better patronage during the celebrations compared to previous years.
“We thank the government and security agencies for their efforts. This Sallah was more peaceful, and many traders recorded improved sales because people were confident enough to come out and celebrate,” she said.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman of the Zamfara State Progressive Development Union, Dr. Aliyu Sadauki Gusau (Makaman Garewa), acknowledged the efforts of security personnel deployed to flashpoints across the state.
He said the visible presence of troops contributed greatly to maintaining peace during the festivities and urged the federal government not to relent in sustaining ongoing military operations against banditry and other criminal activities in the North-West.
“The presence of security personnel in vulnerable communities and along major roads gave residents confidence throughout the celebrations. The government should continue to support security agencies with improved logistics and intelligence gathering to consolidate these gains,” he said.
Dr. Gusau also appealed for stronger community engagement and continued collaboration between residents and security operatives to sustain peace across affected communities.
A security expert, Major Ibrahim Musa Danmairogo (rtd), expressed optimism that ongoing military operations would further restore lasting peace and stability in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
“The gallant troops battling day and night to ensure the safety of citizens deserve commendation. The improved security situation along the Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto corridors is encouraging and gives hope to farmers, travellers and rural communities,” he said.
He noted that sustained military pressure on criminal hideouts, improved intelligence sharing and cooperation between local communities and security agencies would be critical to maintaining the current gains.
Residents further appealed to the federal government and security agencies to sustain the current momentum in the fight against banditry to ensure lasting peace, safe farming activities and economic recovery across the North-West region.