Oluyede orders troops to crush bandits, criminal elements in Katsina
Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has directed Nigerian soldiers to intensify operations and deal decisively with bandits and other criminal elements in Katsina State.
Oluyede gave the order during a visit to Acting Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe at the Katsina Government House, where he commiserated with the government and people of the state over recent banditry attacks.
“Immediate and improved measures will be put in place to ensure such unfortunate incidents, which resulted in the loss of lives and property, do not reoccur,” Army spokesperson Appolonia Anele, a lieutenant colonel, said in a statement.
The COAS assured that the Army under his command will step up operations to secure Katsina and the country at large.
He also appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies in the collective effort to defeat banditry.
Responding, Jobe thanked the Army chief for his visit and pledged the state government’s continued support to security agencies.
He noted Katsina’s heavy investment in security and vowed to sustain such efforts.
The acting governor praised the Nigerian Army for its commitment to duty and timely response to distress calls, while also commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to restoring security.
As part of his three-day operational visit under 8 Division/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Oluyede was briefed at Natsinta Barracks by Brigade Commander BO Omopariola, a brigadier general, on operational activities, challenges, and projections.
Omopariola assured the COAS of his troops’ continued commitment to intensifying operations.
Oluyede, in response, commended the Brigade for its efforts, urging troops to make further sacrifices in securing Katsina and the nation.
He promised improved logistics support to ease their operations.
The Army chief also visited troops at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Dutsinma, Safana, and Malumfashi.
At each location, he charged soldiers to remain steadfast, deny bandits freedom of action, and rid the state of criminality.
Oluyede further assured troops of his commitment to enhanced welfare, logistics support, and operational platforms to enable them to carry out their duties effectively.
