THE Ministry of Defence will soon establish a Joint Military Command Centre in the North West code-named ‘Operation Fansan Yamma’, as part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to address the security challenges confronting the region.
The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, disclosed this on Thursday when he visited the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House as part of his working tour of the North-West Zone.
The visit was aimed at finalising preparations for the official launch of ‘Operation Fansan Yamma ‘, a joint military theatre Command established by the Defence Headquarters to tackle insecurity in the zone.
Badaru said that the establishment of a Command and Control Centre in the North-West Zone is a crucial step in addressing the menace of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other related crimes that have been ravaging the region for many years.
While commending Governor Uba Sani for his administration’s sustained support to security agencies in the fight against insecurity in Kaduna State, the Defence Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to tackle banditry, terrorism and other security challenges in the country.
“The president has charged us to be innovative and find lasting solutions to this security problem. We’re working hard to ensure its success,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the government’s collaborative efforts with neighbouring countries to combat terrorism and arms trafficking.
He also acknowledged concerns about the security situation around Sokoto and its borders with the Niger Republic, however, assured that the government was taking proactive measures to overcome the challenges.
“We are working closely with the military, security agencies, and neighbouring countries to tackle terrorism, banditry, and arms trafficking. The Minister of State for Defence recently visited Sokoto to gather recommendations, and the Chief of Defence Staff met with the Nigerian government to discuss collaborative efforts.
“It’s a real concern, but we are not unaware of the situation. We are working hard to tackle it. The collaboration with Niger will help combat the movement of terrorists, arms, and ammunition.
“The President is committed to ending insecurity in Nigeria. We’re working tirelessly to ensure peace and stability. I assure Nigerians that we’ll tackle these challenges, and by God’s grace, we’ll succeed,” he added.
Describing the proposed North West Command and Control Centre as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to decisively tackle the multidimensional challenges of insecurity confronting the Zone, Governor Sani called for a strong regional collaborative framework and operational plan to tackle the menace of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other related crimes that have been ravaging the region for many years.
“We understand and appreciate the need for a strong collaborative framework towards tackling challenges of insecurity. We have nurtured a strong collaborative framework with security agencies, along with streamlined intelligence gathering and strategic coordination of security-related matters in Kaduna State.
“Since assumption of office, I have been in the forefront of the push for the development of a common strategy and operational plan by Northern States to tackle insecurity. We must establish a Command-and-Control Centre to coordinate our joint efforts against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in our region.
“Along with amplifying support to our security forces as a region, and enhancing our localized intelligence systems, we must collectively pursue other essential steps like stimulating investment, developing agriculture and agri-business, expanding rural infrastructure, broadening access to education and healthcare, and most importantly, nurturing engagement and promoting a sense of inclusion among all our citizens,” he said.