The worsening banditry in Zamfara State and the apparent inability of the security agencies to helm it has forced the governor, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, to seek help from security experts in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the state government has said.
A statement by the Director-General, Press Affairs, in the Zamfara Government House, Alhaji Yusuf Idris, said the governor, who travelled on Sunday to perform the lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia, would stop over in Dubai to meet with security experts to seek advice on the security crisis that had consumed so many souls in the state.
The security situation in the North-west state has assumed an epidemic proportion second only to the terrorists’ reign in the North-east of the country.
According to the state government’s statement, “The governor will meet with security experts in Dubai and share ideas on the best way to end the menace of armed banditry in the state.
“He is also expected to meet with the officials of Saudi Arabian government to discuss ways towards the release of the Zamfara-born Alaramma Ibrahim, who has been in detention for almost two years, over alleged drugs trafficking.
“From our findings, his arrest followed a frame-up initiated from the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
“While in Dubai, the governor will also meet with officials of African Development Bank and some investors interested in investing in Zamfara economy.”
Corruption Fuels Terrorism, Says ICPC
In another development the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission said corruption has snarled insurgency operations in the North-east, hampering military operations as a result of diversion of funds.
It said weak controls as regards importation of arms, left arms in the hands of criminals, fuelling more violence.
Speaking on the topic: “The benefits of Globalisation in the Fight against Corruption”, Chairman of ICPC, Professor Bolaji Owosanonye, said terrorism is funded through illegal transfer of funds acquired through corruption.
“When funds meant to equip the army to fight terrorism are diverted, they will be ill-equipped against insurgents. This sets back the fight against terrorism,” he said.
Owosanonye, who spoke during the visit of students of the Basic Intelligence Officers’ Course 12/2009 of the Defence Intelligence College, Abuja, said terrorism is funded through illegal transfer of funds.
“Terrorism is funded through illegal transfer of funds mostly acquired through corruption. So far as the flow of funding continues, it empowers terrorism to continue,” he said.
He also flayed the appointment of managers of the terror war based on considerations such as nepotism other than merit.
“When appointments to the highest positions of the fight against terror is based not on merit and ability but, favouritism, ethnic and religious considerations, it is bound to fail before it starts,” he said.
The ICPC chairman, who was represented by the Acting Chairman of the Commission, Hon Justice Adamu Bello (rtd), said weak controls in the importation and exportation of arms could make weapons end up in dangerous hands.
A presentation by Assistant Commissioner of ICPC, Azuka Ogugua, contended that bribery allow criminals to cross borders, acquire visas and other official documents and gain access to buildings.