Why FG imposed no-fly zone policy on Zamfara, presidency explains

- The Nigerian government imposed a no-fly zone on Zamfara state to curb banditry and other criminalities

- According to Garba Shehu, the policy followed a strong suspicion on how bandits receive arms, hence the announcement

- Zamfara is one of the northern states that has recorded several attacks by armed bandits

PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!

The presidency has finally lifted the lids on declaring Zamfara a no-fly zone and banning all mining activities in the northern state.

Garba Shehu, a senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, on media and publicity, made this revelation on Wednesday, March 3.

Legit.ng recalls that the government during its National Security Council (NSC ) meeting announced the directive in a bid to stop criminalities in the state.

The president also ordered the ministry of defence to deploy massive military and intelligence assets to restore normalcy in the state.

Read also

Schoolchildren abduction: We are prepared to help if Nigeria is ready - US

The presidential spokesman speaking with Daily Trust said the recent imposition followed a strong suspicion that arms were being flown to bandits with choppers.

Garba went on to explain the reason why mining activities in the state, saying there were strong notions that gold was being swapped for arms by criminal elements operating in the state.

PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app

Matawalle rejects FG's no-fly zone policy

This is coming hours after Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state rejected the council’s decision to declare Zamfara state as a no-fly zone.

The Zamfara state governor made the comment while playing host to the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Fayemi who was accompanied by his Kebbi state counterpart, Atiku Bagudu, was in the north-west state on a sympathy visit.

Read also

Armed bandits in trouble as President Buhari deploys 6000 troops to Zamfara

------

Oluwatobi Bolashodun is a Legit.ng journalist with six years of working experience in the media industry. She graduated from Babcock University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication. Oluwatobi is a Current Affairs Editor, mostly writing on political, educational, and business topics. She uses her team spirit to encourage others to work hard.

Source: Legit.ng