The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured that the Nigerian Army under his leadership will step up operations to further secure Katsina State and the wider Nigerian space. The Army Chief gave the assurance during a condolence visit to the Acting Governor, Alhaji Faruk Lawal Jobe, at the Government House, Katsina, following the recent banditry attacks in the state.
In a statement released by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel OA Anele, the COAS emphasized that immediate and enhanced measures would be adopted to forestall a recurrence of such tragic incidents which resulted in the loss of lives and property. He appealed to residents to continue cooperating with security agencies in the collective fight against banditry and other criminal activities threatening the peace of the state and the nation.
In his response, the Acting Governor expressed appreciation for the COAS’ visit and assured of the state government’s continued support to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. He highlighted the state’s significant investment in the security sector and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining such efforts to eliminate criminality. He also lauded the Army’s timely interventions in distress situations and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to national security.
As part of his operational visit to Katsina, under 8 Division/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the COAS received an operational briefing from the Commander, 17 Brigade, Brigadier General BO Omopariola, at Natsinta Barracks. The briefing covered the Brigade’s activities, challenges and plans to improve security in the state. The COAS praised the Brigade’s efforts, urged them to redouble their sacrifices and assured of improved logistics support to enhance operations.
Continuing his three-day tour, the Army Chief visited troops at the Forward Operating Bases in Federal University Dutsinma, Safana and Malumfashi. At each location, he charged soldiers to intensify their operations, deny bandits freedom of action and decisively confront criminal elements. General Oluyede also reassured troops of his commitment to their welfare, promising enhanced logistics support and operational platforms to enable them to carry out their constitutional mandate effectively.
