Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle has donated 200 patrol vehicles to security agencies to strengthen the fight against kidnapping and banditry.
At the presentation in Gusau, the State Capital, Governor Matawalle said the vehicles would significantly address the problems of logistics faced by security agencies operating at various theaters across the state.
He also announced the introduction of monthly standing impress to the security agencies, provision of office and housing accommodation to military personnel as well as the procurement of silent falcon drones.
The Governor pledged to collaborate with Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger, and Katsina States to block porous borders and impede infiltration of miscreants or armed bandits into the state.
Governor Matawalle warned unrepentant bandits who have refused to accept the peace accord offered by his administration to prepare for the worst.
While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for his cooperation towards efforts at ending banditry, he said the President had responded to all his requests, including approval of two police squadrons for the state and deployment of 780 police personnel to tackle the bandits in flashpoint.
The governor further urged residents to support the fight against banditry, by availing security operatives with timely and genuine intelligence information.
Receiving the donations on behalf of the security agencies, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, described the donation as a strategic leadership policy.
Represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Jos, Maj. Gen. Nuhu Angbazo, Lt Gen Buratai thanked the governor for the gesture.
The COAS promised not to leave any stone unturned in the fight against bandits in Zamfara state.