Following the outcome of the one-day Multilateral Security Meeting of Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and the Maradi Region in the Niger Republic, a ban on the sale of the Boxer Motorcycle for 24 months has been suggested.
The Boxer Motorcycle is used mainly by terrorists for their operations.
The Secretary to the Katsina State Government, SSG, Muntari Lawal, who read out the communique, said this is among other 14 resolutions that were reached at the end of the meeting held in Katsina, to seek ways to end the insecurity bedevilling the region.
Also Read: Govs of Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Maradi in Niger Republic hold multilateral security meeting in Katsina .
The meeting noted that a substantial proportion of the citizens of the states of Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and the Maradi Region in the Niger Republic, partake in animal husbandry or rearing as a vocation, for their livelihood.
But over time, the trade has been infiltrated by criminal elements, leading to the menace of cattle rustling, banditry, kidnapping for ransom and the proliferation of small and light arms and ammunition, with the terrorists using Boxer Motorcycle for their operations.
Hence, the meeting recommended a 15-point communique which includes, banning the sale of such motorcycles in the region for 24 months.
The meeting also recommended an express approval by the Federal Government to begin clearance operations, to be coordinated by land and air, and should not stop until it reaches its final point.
It further agreed that, in the light of the bilateral arrangement on the pursuit of criminals up to 30 km by security agents across each other’s border, between Nigeria and the Niger Republic, seek an appropriate review of the ECOWAS Article on the movement of persons and arms.
The meeting also noted and frowned at the way and manner some media practitioners render information or news items to the general public, which portray bandits and other
criminals as heroes.
Consequently, the meeting recommended that the National Broadcasting Commission should appraise the situation and reverse the trend, for the good of the people and
the Nation.
Other recommendations include that, the meeting noted the negative perception of some people on military operations of this nature, and recommends the need to educate the public on the inevitability of collateral damage.
For efficient and credible intelligence information dissemination
and security management of inclusiveness, the affected state governments are recommended to see to the establishment of Emergency Call Centres and community-based structures.
Relatedly, synergy and cooperation between contiguous local governments should also be enhanced, to further facilitate intelligence sharing.
Furthermore, the meeting recommends interconnectivity of all the Emergency Call Centres across the participating states and the Maradi Region, for broader intelligence sharing.
The meeting stressed the need for continued prayers by all and sundry for the Almighty Creator’s intercession to bring final succour to the people and the nations of Niger and Nigeria.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
