Troops Told To Crush Bandits In North West

Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting

THE Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General W. B. Idris, has urged troops of the 8 Division and Sector 2 OPFY to intensify their offensive against armed bandits and ensure their total eradication from the North West region.

General Idris gave the directive during his maiden operational assessment visit to the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Sector 2 OPFY at Giginya Barracks, Sokoto.

Addressing the troops, the Theatre Commander explained that the visit was aimed at evaluating their performance, reviewing training protocols, and assessing the welfare of soldiers injured in action.

He called on the troops to be mentally prepared for a new, high-intensity phase of operations.

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, General Idris stressed that the renewed push to completely defeat the bandits had only just begun.

He noted that victory would be achieved through the courage, dedication, discipline, and sacrifice of personnel confronting the nation’s security threats.

He also pledged enhanced combat resources and logistical support to bolster operational effectiveness.

The Theatre Commander commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 OPFY, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, for his proactive leadership in tackling insecurity within the sector.

He later interacted with wounded soldiers, assuring them of the best possible care. General Idris also visited frontline troops at the 248 Battalion in Ilela, where he shared a meal with them to boost morale.

Earlier, the GOC briefed the Theatre Commander on operational successes, ongoing training programmes, and existing logistical constraints.

Highlights of the visit included inspection of the Quarter Guard, presentation of a bouquet by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, an operational briefing by the GOC, inspection of the Division Training School, a formal address to troops, and engagements with wounded personnel.