We’re set to be more ruthless on bandits – Major General Idris

By Wole Mosadomi, Minna

Minna – The Theatre Commander of the Joint Taskforce North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Warrah Idris, has reassured Nigerians of the Taskforce’s readiness to combat banditry and other criminal activities.

The statement came during a courtesy visit to Niger State Governor Muhammed Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna. Major General Idris, on a familiarisation tour of sectors under his command in Niger State, said the visit was aimed at assessing terrain, evaluating security needs, and boosting troop morale.

“The mandate given to me and my team by the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defence Staff, and Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is to ensure the security of Nigerian citizens. We are here to ensure that the task is executed to the fullest, eradicating banditry, terrorism, and other crimes. Assessments have been made, and maps for necessary actions will soon be released,” he said.

While awaiting the new assessments, General Idris confirmed that operations are ongoing in Kainji Lake National Park and Babana in Borgu, aiming to weaken bandit networks in these areas.

Governor Bago stressed the need for Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), particularly in Mailaka and Kurege in Mariga Local Government Area, to block the movement of criminals from neighbouring states. He also proposed the recruitment of 25,000 youths as soldiers to assist in tackling insecurity.

“We are willing to support the recruitment of 25,000 youths to help pursue these criminals, and we are optimistic that Operation Fansan Yamma will end the menace in no time,” Governor Bago said.

The governor commended the military and security agencies for their efforts but appealed for additional equipment and air support, citing the vast size of the state. He also highlighted non-kinetic approaches deployed by his administration to promote peace and assured full cooperation with Major General Idris and his team.

Operation Fansan Yamma is a federal joint military theatre command tasked with addressing insecurity in the North-West and parts of North-Central Nigeria.

The post We’re set to be more ruthless on bandits – Major General Idris appeared first on Vanguard News.