THE Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to scale up ongoing operations against bandits and other criminal elements in the North-West, stressing the urgent need to secure the region and the country at large.
News Point Nigeria reports that Oluyede issued the directive during an operational visit to the Headquarters Theatre Command of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), in Gusau, Zamfara State.
The visit, according to military authorities, was aimed at evaluating operational readiness, addressing challenges confronting troops, and boosting morale in the sustained campaign to restore peace and security in the region.
While addressing the troops, the CDS commended their resilience, courage, and sacrifices in defence of the nation. He urged them to remain disciplined, professional, and relentless in the ongoing fight against banditry and terrorism.
“The safety of our citizens rests on our shoulders. You must remain resolute and go after these criminals until they are eliminated. We must make Nigeria safe at all cost,” he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
The CDS also assured the troops of continued support in the areas of welfare, training, and the provision of necessary operational equipment to enhance their effectiveness in the field.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustaining pressure on criminal groups until lasting peace is restored not only in the North-West but across the entire country.
Oluyede further acknowledged the critical role of air support in ongoing operations, noting that efforts were underway to strengthen operational capabilities through the deployment of additional platforms and improved coordination across theatres.
As part of his engagements, the CDS paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, where he expressed appreciation for the governor’s continued support to Operation FANSAN YAMMA and the military.
He also commended the people of Zamfara State for their cooperation, urging sustained collaboration, particularly in the area of timely and credible intelligence sharing.
In his response, Governor Lawal praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices and sustained efforts towards restoring peace in Zamfara State and the broader North-West region.
