Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has sought the help of the Nigerian Army to combat armed bandits who have reportedly taken over forests in the state.

Speaking during a meeting with Service Chiefs at the Defence Headquarters, Ganduje notified the army that bandits are grouping in Falgore forest and could be planning to unleash mayhem on unsuspecting citizens.

Ganduje further pleaded with the newly-installed Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya, to ensure that the Army resume its training Depot at the Falgore and take over the forest, noting that the prevailing peace in the state is a result of the cordial relationship between the government and security agencies.

He said: “My visit here today is to condole with the Nigerian Army over the death of the former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and ten other officers. It was painful, it was untimely and sorrowful but we are consoled that they died in active service to the nation. I am also here to seek the help of the Nigerian Army to sustain the peace in Kano State; bandits have converted some forests in the state into hideouts.

“We are building houses, schools and hospitals for the herdsmen in some of the forests but we want the Army to commence activities at the Falgore forest.”

In response to Ganduje’s request, Yahaya has vowed to look into ways that work can resume on Army facilities in the forest and at the same time work with sister Services and other security agencies in its commitment to defeating security challenges across the country.