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The Northern Committee for Defence of Human Rights (NCDHR) has expressed its unreserved support and appreciation for the recent ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which categorically dismissed the suit seeking to compel the Federal Government to investigate the alleged links between the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, and the operations of bandits in Zamfara State.

It called on Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State to desist from politicising the security situation and cooperate with the federal government.

The Convener of the group, Tijjani Hashimu, in a statement noted that “this decision is not only a reinforcement of the rule of law but also a significant affirmation of the commendable efforts made by the federal government in the fight against the alarming scourge of insecurity that has plagued Northern Nigeria.”

The group observed that in a time when the security situation in various parts of Nigeria remains a critical concern, “it is heartening to witness the judiciary standing firm against attempts to undermine the progress realized in countering the rampaging threats posed by banditry and related crimes.”

The Northern human rights body maintained that the ruling “aptly recognizes that continued legal challenges, particularly those lacking substantive evidence, may detract from the collective focus required to combat these menacing security issues.

“The court’s dismissal of the suit serves as a clarion call to all stakeholders to rally around the ongoing efforts to restore peace and security to our communities.”

The NCDHR acknowledged that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, had taken commendable strides toward addressing the multifaceted challenges of insecurity in Northern Nigeria.

“From strategic military operations targeting kidnapping kingpins to the enhanced collaboration with local vigilante groups, the government’s endeavours have laid a foundational framework for rebuilding the trust of the citizens and ameliorating the fear that has gripped our communities.”

According to them, under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, the ongoing successes in the fight against banditry — especially in states such as Zamfara, where the menace has been particularly acute — underscore the importance of a unified approach to solving security challenges.

“The recent successes of our security forces in apprehending notorious criminals and dismantling their networks buttress the necessity for all citizens to support the government’s initiatives aimed at restoring law and order.

“While we wholeheartedly welcome the court’s ruling, we also implore the citizens of Northern Nigeria to remain vigilant and resilient in the face of adversity. It is essential for us to collectively debunk any unfounded allegations that could distract from the real issues at hand.

“There must be a significant emphasis on fostering peace, engaging in constructive dialogue, and promoting the significant role of community participation in security measures.

“We also call upon all relevant stakeholders — traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society organizations — to foster a united front in confronting insecurity.

“Together, we must forge avenues for dialogue that will aid in intelligence gathering and community resilience against criminal activities. The task of restoring peace in our communities cannot be left solely to the government; it requires a concerted effort that encompasses every facet of society.

“The NCDHR reiterates its unwavering commitment to supporting the federal government in all endeavors to combat insecurity in Northern Nigeria.

“We call on Governor Dauda Lawal to desist politicising the security situation and cooperate with the federal government efforts.

“We also encourage citizens to maintain their faith in the judicial process and our security institutions, and we remain hopeful that through collective efforts, the dream of a peaceful and secure Northern Nigeria is within our grasp”, the group said.