TheCable

Bello Matawalle, governor of Zamfara state, has asked the federal government to extend the retirement age of security personnel to 70 years.

Speaking at his country home in Maradun area of the state, on Monday, Matawalle said the entry age limit for direct short service should be extended from 30 to 32 years to accommodate more able-bodied men and women that are willing to secure the country.

The governor said this will also afford active youths the opportunity to continue to serve the country and help sustain successes recorded in the fight against insecurity.

Matawalle also promised to make Zamfara the most peaceful state in the country.

“As you know, we are facing the issue of insecurity in Zamfara. I want to make Zamfara the most peaceful state in Nigeria. I want to make the people of Zamfara secure,” the governor said.

“I’m working with some security agencies to be able to achieve this. I want to appeal to the federal government to extend the retirement age of the security personnel to 70 years just like it did to university lecturers and some teachers. My belief is simple, most of those to be retired are not tired.”

Matawalle recently asked residents of the state to take up arms to protect themselves against bandits.

The governor had also directed the state police command to issue gun licences to residents who qualify and are willing to obtain firearms to defend themselves.