THE Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammed Dingyadi, on Tuesday said the country had sufficient weapons to eliminate bandits terrorising Nigerians.

He lamented that the security forces have been unable to deal with the hoodlums because they engaged in guerrilla tactics, adding that all Nigerians should get ready to protect their communities.

Dingyadi disclosed this at the second annual ministerial press briefing in Abuja on the major achievements of the Ministry of Police Affairs from August 2020 to August 2021.

The minister said, “We have the needed equipment and we are facing the bandits. The only problem we are having is that the bandits hit and run and before you know it they disappear into the bush.

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“There are, of course, instances in which bandits overpower police and security agents, but I want to assure you that the police are ready and well equipped to face these challenges.

“We have procured arms and ammunition. Everybody should contribute his or her quota towards fighting crime. We are not saying people should take arms illegally; what we are saying is that people should get ready to do whatever it takes to ensure that we protect ourselves and our communities.”

Minister of State for Education,  Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba said the police were  needed to protect schools across the country.

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola said within one year the police had faced the worst pressure following the #EndSARS protests.