The Commander of the Vigilante Justice Network in Sokoto State, Basharu Altine Guyawa, has called for an intensified and extended military offensive to completely flush out remnants of bandit groups operating in the eastern axis of Isa and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas of the state.
Guyawa’s appeal was contained in a post by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Saturday, where the vigilante leader emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated, full-scale operation across critical forest zones serving as hideouts for armed criminal elements.
According to him, while ongoing military offensives have recorded considerable success especially in forested areas like Gundumi, stretching towards Kuyan-Bana and Gwauro Hills, there remains a pressing need to dominate other key locations.
He revealed that notorious bandit leaders such as Kachalla Chomo and Kachalla Haru are currently under pressure as security forces continue dismantling their strongholds.
Guyawa urged the military not to limit its operations to Gundumi and Sububu forests alone but to extend the offensive to the Maberaya forest and the FAKAI axis, which he described as strategic to fully securing the eastern border corridor.
“This eastern axis, from Manawa and Gwandi to Tsaika, must be cleared and secured. From there, troops should link up with Lake Fili near the Niger border,” he said.
He further recommended that security forces extend their offensive through Gatawa to Zango and connect with Burkusuma, all the way to the Niger Republic border.
According to him, such a thorough sweep would leave no room for notorious bandit leaders like Bello Turji or others to find refuge in the region.
Guyawa clarified that his suggestions were offered not as criticism, but in the spirit of contributing to national security and peacebuilding efforts.
