By Nkechi Eze
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, paid his maiden operational visit to troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening military capacity to tackle insecurity in the North-West.
The visit to the Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma formed part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to assess frontline operations and enhance combat effectiveness through the provision of modern military equipment.
According to an official statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Operation Fansan Yamma, Captain David Adewusi, the Minister was received on arrival by the Theatre Commander, Major General WB Idris, alongside other senior military officers, including the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, the Commander 1 Brigade, and the Commander, Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Group.
The Minister’s visit came shortly after the commissioning of newly procured Armoured Personnel Carriers and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles acquired by the Zamfara State Government to support ongoing military operations in Zamfara State and the wider North-West theatre.
Addressing troops and officers during the visit, the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering resolve to enhance operational effectiveness through the provision of modern combat enablers and force multipliers.
He explained that the deployment of the newly inducted platforms would significantly improve troop mobility, intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and rapid response capabilities, thereby strengthening ongoing efforts to combat criminal elements.
General Musa also commended the troops for their resilience, professionalism and sustained offensive operations against criminal groups, urging them to remain resolute, disciplined and mission-focused in carrying out their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Major General WB Idris, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the Zamfara State Government for their continued support to the operation.
He noted that the newly commissioned combat platforms would further consolidate recent operational gains and accelerate efforts to restore lasting peace and stability across Zamfara State and the wider North-West region.
The visit, military authorities said, reflects the strategic determination of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to decisively degrade security threats and ensure a safer environment for citizens.
