From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
Kano state governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has cautioned politicians not to toy with security-related matters, saying that negative reactions from states could undermine the efforts of the Federal Government in securing the nation.
He described the declaration of Zamfara a no-fly zone as a well thought-out security strategy by the National Security Council adding that it that will help overcome the security challenges not only in Zamfara but other neighbouring states.
Reacting to the declaration, the governor, who spoke to journalists at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, noted that politicians should at least wait and see how the strategy works before making comments that are capable of undercutting the efforts of our security services to keep the country safe.
Ganduje’s comments further observed that the measure would aid in cutting suspected logistics supply and evacuation of the nation’s natural resources particularly gold.
“The issues of security should be beyond partisan considerations. I do not see anything political in declaring the no-fly zone in Zamfara state. It is purely based on security and intelligence report that there are suspicious criminal activities going on there.
“The area has abundant natural resources, particularly gold and there is this suspicion the helicopters that venture into the forest and mining areas are being used to transport food and other supplies to the bandits including weaponry,” he said.
He said that what the country needed now were concerted efforts by stakeholders to combat the scourge of kidnappings, insurgency and banditry thumping the country rather than reducing it to a mere political tool.
The governor said in view of the prevailing security challenges, particularly in the North West and North East, there was the need for a synergy between the states and the federal government to prevent the situation from getting out of control.
He also said that a concerted approach by state governments and the co-operation of all security agencies, traditional rulers, community and religious leaders is urgently needed to successfully tackle and overcome security challenges in the country.