By Nkechi Eze
The Theatre Commander Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FASAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General WB Idris, has issued a firm directive to troops of the 8 Division and Sector 2 OPFY to escalate ongoing offensive operations and ensure the total elimination of armed bandits across the North West region. General Idris gave the charge during his maiden operational assessment visit to the 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 OPFY at Giginya Barracks, Sokoto.
In a signed statement, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations for 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, disclosed that the Theatre Commander told the troops that his visit was aimed at assessing their operational performance, reviewing training procedures, and evaluating the welfare of soldiers wounded in action. General Idris urged the personnel to mentally prepare for what he described as a new, high-intensity phase of the ongoing operations.
Addressing the troops, the Theatre Commander stressed that the tempo of the battle against banditry was only entering a more decisive stage. He noted that victory could only be achieved through the courage, discipline, dedication, and sacrifice of the soldiers confronting the nation’s security challenges. He further assured the men that efforts were underway to provide advanced combat resources and improved logistical support to strengthen their fighting capacity.
General Idris also commended the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 OPFY, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, for what he described as a proactive leadership style in managing security threats within the sector’s area of responsibility. During the visit, he interacted with soldiers wounded in action and assured them that they would receive the best possible medical attention. He later visited frontline troops of the 248 Battalion in Ilela, where he shared a meal with them as part of efforts to boost morale.
Earlier, Major General Ajose briefed the Theatre Commander on the sector’s operational achievements, ongoing training activities, and existing logistical constraints. The visit also featured inspection of the Quarter Guard, the presentation of a Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association bouquet to the Theatre Commander, an operations briefing by the GOC, inspection of the Division Training School, an address to troops, and interaction with wounded soldiers.
