Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara State and his counterparts from Jigawa and Kebbi states, Hon. Badaru Abubakar and Senator Atiku Bagudu respectively, have left Nigeria to Niger Republic in search of security assistance.
According to a press statement signed and issued to newsmen in Gusau, Zamfara State capital, by the Special Adviser to Governor Matawalle on Media and Publicity Affairs, Comrade Zailani Bappa, the trio met with the President of Niger Republic, Alhaji Mohamud Bazoum to secure the two countries borders.
According to the statement, the three governors arrived in the country’s capital, Niamey, on Friday where they held a preliminary closed-door meeting with the officials of Niger Republic.
The statement further stated that after meeting with the country’s officials, they later met with President Bazoum with whom they held a closed-door meeting that lasted for over four hours.
They revealed that they discussed issues surrounding cross border crimes as it affects both countries.
“Governor Matawalle assured the President of the total commitment of the governors bordering Niger Republic of the resolve to join hands with his country to fight and bring to an end the insecurity situation ravaging the two countries.”
In his response, Bozoum assured them that his country is aware of its role and will play in the fight against the transit of illegal weapons into Nigeria.
According to the president, Niger Republic will continue to support Nigeria in its effort to find lasting peace especially from the menace of banditry and insurgency.
Recall that Matawalle made a similar visit last month where he donated four Hilux vans to the security operatives of Niger Republic to assist them in the patrol along the borders to fight the incursion of criminal elements into the country.