The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has instructed personnel of Operation Fansan Yamma to intensify offensive actions against bandits and other criminal groups operating in the North-West.
Oluyede stressed that restoring safety across the country must remain a top priority.
He issued the directive during an operational visit to the Theatre Command Headquarters of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Gusau, Zamfara State, where he evaluated troop preparedness and reviewed ongoing security operations in the region.
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This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba.
According to Uba, the defence chief underscored the need to dismantle criminal networks terrorising communities, urging troops to remain steadfast and uncompromising in their mission.
“The responsibility of protecting our citizens lies with us. Stay focused and pursue these criminal elements until they are completely neutralised. Nigeria must be secured at all costs,” he said.
He praised the troops for their dedication and sacrifices, while highlighting the importance of discipline, professionalism, and sustained pressure on criminal groups.
Oluyede also assured personnel of continued military backing, including enhanced welfare, improved training, and the provision of necessary equipment.
He further noted ongoing measures to boost air support and strengthen coordination across operational theatres to improve effectiveness.
As part of his visit, the CDS paid a courtesy visit to Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, commending the state government’s support for military operations and advocating closer collaboration, especially in intelligence sharing.
In his response, Lawal lauded the Armed Forces for their dedication to restoring peace, describing their efforts as vital to stabilising Zamfara and the broader North-West region.
The visit included operational briefings, interactions with troops, and an on-site evaluation of deployments as the military ramps up efforts to tackle banditry.
For years, Nigeria’s North-West has remained a major hotspot for insecurity, with banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on rural communities causing widespread displacement.
To address this, the Nigerian Armed Forces have continued to launch coordinated operations aimed at restoring order and reclaiming affected areas.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA is part of these initiatives, designed to strengthen joint offensives against criminal elements in the region.
The CDS’s latest visit highlights ongoing efforts to boost troop morale, enhance operational capability, and accelerate progress towards lasting peace in the North-West.
