By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured that the Nigerian Army will intensify its operations to strengthen security in Katsina State and safeguard the wider Nigerian space. He gave the assurance during a visit to the Acting Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Faruk Lawal Jobe, at the Government House, Katsina, where he commiserated with the government and people over recent banditry attacks that claimed lives and destroyed property.
In an official statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, General Oluyede emphasized that immediate and improved measures would be implemented to ensure such tragic incidents do not reoccur. He also called on the people of Katsina to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that collective effort remained crucial in defeating banditry and making the Nigerian space safer for all.
Responding, Acting Governor Jobe expressed appreciation for the COAS’ solidarity visit and pledged the continued support of the state government and the people for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. He recalled the heavy investments already made by the Katsina State Government in the security sector and promised to sustain them to eradicate all forms of criminality in the state. He also lauded the Army’s commitment and timely response to distress calls, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to securing Katsina and the nation at large.
As part of his operational visit under 8 Division/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, General Oluyede was briefed at Natsinta Barracks by the Commander of 17 Brigade, Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, who outlined the Brigade’s activities, challenges, and projections. General Omopariola assured the Army Chief of the Brigade’s dedication to intensifying operations in order to better secure Katsina State.
General Oluyede commended the troops for their efforts so far, urging them to make further sacrifices in the service of the nation. He assured them of enhanced logistics support to ensure seamless operations.
The COAS also visited troops at various Forward Operating Bases across the state as part of his three-day operational tour. At the Federal University Dutsinma base, he urged troops to remain steadfast in securing the institution and its environs while denying bandits freedom of action. In Safana, he charged soldiers to intensify operations and deal decisively with bandits and other criminal elements in their area of responsibility.
At the Forward Operating Base in Malumfashi, the Army Chief reiterated his directive for troops to go all out to clear bandits and rid the state of all forms of criminality. He reassured soldiers of his commitment to improving their welfare while also providing the necessary logistics and platforms to enable them carry out their duties effectively.
