Former Senator and member of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Abdullahi Gobir, has expressed support for the renewed military offensive against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements operating in Sokoto East and other vulnerable areas of Sokoto State.

Gobir said the continued attacks on rural communities had become a major threat to lives, agricultural activities, livelihoods and economic development across the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the former lawmaker called for sustained operations by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies until the criminal networks responsible for killings, abductions and displacement were completely dismantled.

“The people of Sokoto have endured enough. Terrorists and bandits must not be allowed to dictate the future of our communities or hold innocent citizens hostage through fear and violence,” he said.

Gobir commended the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Community Guards Corps for intensifying their operations against criminal groups.

He said the deployment of additional security personnel and military equipment to vulnerable locations showed the government’s determination to reclaim communities and territories affected by insecurity.

The former senator expressed optimism that sustained military pressure would significantly weaken the criminals’ operational capabilities and restore confidence among residents of Sabon Birni, Isa and neighbouring communities.

However, he stressed that military action alone would not be sufficient to resolve the security crisis, emphasising the importance of intelligence gathering and community cooperation.

“Intelligence is the eyes of every successful security operation, and communities must become the eyes and ears of our security agencies,” he said.

Gobir urged residents to provide security agencies with credible and timely information about suspicious movements, criminal hideouts, planned attacks and other activities that could help dismantle terrorist and bandit networks.

He also warned individuals who harbour, finance, protect or provide logistical assistance to terrorists and bandits, describing such actions as a serious threat to ongoing security operations.

Gobir particularly condemned alleged informants who disclose the movements and deployment of security personnel to criminal groups, warning that such acts could endanger the lives of security officers and expose entire communities to attacks.

“Such actions are a dangerous betrayal that can cost the lives of brave security personnel and expose entire communities to devastating attacks,” he warned.

The former lawmaker further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community heads, youth organisations and other stakeholders to deepen their collaboration with security agencies and support community-based intelligence gathering.

According to him, stronger cooperation between residents and security forces would make it more difficult for criminals to infiltrate communities, recruit accomplices, obtain supplies and escape after carrying out attacks.