By Zainab Bakare
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to intensify ongoing operations against bandits and other criminal elements in the North West, stressing that the safety of Nigeria must be secured at all costs.
General Oluyede gave the charge during an operational visit to the Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), in Gusau, Zamfara State.
The visit, according to a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, is aimed at assessing operational readiness, addressing challenges confronting troops, and boosting morale in the ongoing campaign to restore peace and security in the region.
Addressing the troops, the CDS commends their resilience, courage, and sacrifices in the defence of the nation.
He urge them to remain disciplined, professional, and relentless in the 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 said.
General Oluyede assures the troops of continued support in the areas of welfare, training, and provision of necessary operational equipment to enhance their effectiveness.
He also acknowledge the critical role of air support in ongoing operations, noting that efforts were ongoing to strengthen operational capabilities through additional platforms and improved coordination across theatres.
As part of the visit, the CDS paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, where he expressed appreciation for the state government’s continued support to Operation FANSAN YAMMA and the military in general.
He also commends residents of the state for their cooperation, calling for sustained collaboration, particularly in timely and credible intelligence sharing.
In his response, Governor Lawal commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices and sustained efforts toward restoring peace in Zamfara State and the wider North West region
The visit featured an operational briefing, interaction with troops, assessment of deployments, and media engagement.
