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 Northwest, stressing that national security must be guaranteed at all costs.
Oluyede gave the charge during an operational visit to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in Gusau, Zamfara State, where he assessed the troops’ readiness and addressed operational challenges.
The visit, aimed at boosting morale and strengthening the ongoing campaign to restore peace in the region, saw the CDS commend the troops for their courage, resilience, and sacrifices in the fight against insecurity.
He urged them to remain disciplined, professional, and resolute in confronting banditry and terrorism, insisting that the protection of citizens remains the military’s top priority.
“The safety of our citizens is our responsibility. You must remain steadfast and pursue these criminals until they are eliminated. We must ensure Nigeria’s safety at all costs,” he said.
Oluyede assured the troops of sustained support through improved welfare, enhanced training, and the provision of necessary operational equipment to boost their effectiveness.
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal groups until lasting peace is achieved across the Northwest and the country at large, while also highlighting the critical role of air support and improved inter-agency coordination in ongoing operations.
During the visit, the CDS also paid a courtesy call on Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, appreciating his continued support for military operations and commending residents for their cooperation. He further urged citizens to sustain collaboration with security agencies, particularly through timely and credible intelligence sharing.
