The Nigerian Army has assured citizens of its total commitment to tackling banditry, saying its operations in the country have been reinvigorated and strengthened.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, who is on a two-day operational tour of all military formations and units under the eighth division of the Nigerian Army, said this on Friday at the 171 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Daura, Katsina.
He said the tour would ensure troops take the battle to the enclaves of the bandits with a view to destroying them.
According to him, the military has so far started gaining ground with the synergy and support of other security agencies.
While in the emir’s palace, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya solicited the support of traditional rulers in Northwest Nigeria for reliable and actionable information that will aid troops in combating the menace of banditry.
He said this is a crucial role of the local authorities and is pivotal indecisively in combating the activities of the criminals.
While appreciating the Emir and the good people of Daura for their support and cooperation to the troops, the COAS urged traditional rulers to use their position of strength and clout to regenerate and firm up their information network in an effort to enhance the operational efficiency of troops in decimating the bandits and ultimately put an end to banditry in their localities and the state in general.
In his remarks, the Emir commended the Nigerian Army and the COAS for their sacrifices and dedication towards curtailing banditry and other security challenges bedevilling the state.
He stated that the people of Daura will not hesitate in volunteering within their capacity to mobilize grassroots support for the troops.
The Royal father urged the COAS and troops not to rest on their oars until normalcy is completely restored.
RN