Eliminate criminals, make Nigeria safe, CDS tells soldiers

The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has directed troops of Operation Fansan Yamma to sustain aggressive operations against bandits and other criminal elements in the North-West.

Oluyede said that Nigeria must be made safe at all costs.

Oluyede gave the charge during an operational visit to the Headquarters Theatre Command of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Gusau, Zamfara State, where he assessed troops’ readiness and addressed ongoing security challenges in the region.

This was contained in a statement released on Monday by the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen Samaila Uba.

Uba said the defence chief emphasised the urgency of eliminating criminal networks terrorising communities, urging soldiers to remain resolute and uncompromising in the fight.

“The safety of our citizens rests on our shoulders. You must remain resolute and go after these criminals until they are eliminated. We must make Nigeria safe at all costs,” he said.

He commended the troops for their resilience and sacrifices, while stressing the need for discipline, professionalism and sustained pressure on criminal groups.

Oluyede assured personnel of continued military support, including improved welfare, training and provision of operational equipment.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen air support and enhance coordination across theatres to boost operational effectiveness.

As part of his visit, the CDS paid a courtesy call on the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, appreciating the state government’s backing of military operations and calling for deeper collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing.

In his response, Lawal commended the Armed Forces for their commitment to restoring peace, noting that their efforts were critical to stabilising Zamfara and the wider North-West.

The visit featured operational briefings, interaction with troops and an on-the-ground assessment of deployments as the military intensifies its campaign against banditry in the region.

For several years, the North-West region of Nigeria has been one of the country’s major security flashpoints, with armed banditry, kidnappings and rural attacks disrupting communities and displacing thousands. In response, the Nigerian Armed Forces have sustained several joint military operations aimed at restoring order and reclaiming affected areas.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA was launched as part of these efforts to intensify coordinated offensives against criminal groups operating in the region.

The latest visit by the Chief of Defence Staff underscores ongoing attempts to strengthen troop morale, improve operational capacity and accelerate the push to stabilise the North-West.