The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris says 2000 special security personnel will soon be deployed to tackle increasing insecurity in Zamfara state.

IGP Idris spoke with State House correspondents at the end of the Security Council meeting held at Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tuesday, June 5.

He said the team to Zamfara will comprise the military, civil defence, police and other paramilitary agencies to ensure maximum protection of people and properties in the state.

According to him, the joint operation will commence in two weeks time.

He said that the meeting went well and was an opportunity to interface with the President on the security challenges in the country.

On the vote of no confidence passed by the National Assembly against him, he parried the question with "You can't ask me now." and walked away.

Senator representing Zamfara central senatorial district, Kabiru Marafa commended the government's efforts at taming the excesses of bandits and criminals in the state saying the plan to deploy security personnel to the state will help end banditry there.

Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, also circulated a statement at the end of the meeting where he drew the attention of the Council to the alarming and incessant killings and kidnappings by armed bandits and criminal activities across the North-West.

He mentioned Abuja-Kaduna expressway as a source of concern as there were still recorded incidences of kidnappings within the period under review.

Dan-ali also stated that the upsurge in incidents of security concern in Zamfara State is quite disturbing and calls for more robust approach to tackling the threat. The situation he said is characterized with killings and kidnappings by armed bandits and criminal elements predominantly in Anka, Maru, Kaura Namoda and Talata Mafara LGAs of the State.

He also emphasized need to employ other channels with the affected states to reduce tension by suspending the implementation of the Anti-Open Grazing Law while also negotiating safe routes for the herders.

Report by Nnabuchi Nnabuchi