The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has again solicited the support of traditional rulers in the Northwest of Nigeria for a reliable and actionable information that will aid troops in combating the menace of banditry.
General recognised the crucial role of the local authorities, saying ”it is pivotal in decisively combating the activities of the criminals.”
A statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyeam Nwachukwu, said General Yahaya made the plea when he paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk Umar, at his palace in Daura on Friday.
Operational tour of Army formations
The COAS told the Royal father that he was on an operational tour of Army formations and units in 8 Division and in the North West theatre of operation to evaluate, re-strategise and reinvigorate ongoing operations, as well as motivate troops deployed to fight banditry in the region.
He reaffirmed Nigerian Army’s positive disposition toward collaborating with other security agencies and partnering with stakeholders of the security sector in the region, to effectively degrade the activities of bandits and other criminal elements in order to speedily restore peace and stability to Katsina State and indeed the entire Northwest.
The COAS took time to interact with troops of 171 Battalion at Fort Muhammadu Buhari Forward Operating Base, during which the troops catalogued their challenges as a unit and as individuals.
He reiterated his commitment to ensure that their wellbeing is topmost in the agenda of his command, stressing that ”personnel must get their due entitlements and not be short-changed.”
During the tour, the COAS also assessed ongoing projects at 171 Battalion permanent site where he planted a tree to commemorate his visit. He also had interactive session with officers from other security agencies.
Appreciating the Emir and the good people of Daura for their support and cooperation to the troops, General Yahaya 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 banditary in their localities and the state in general.
The Emir commended the Nigerian Army and the COAS for their sacrifices and dedication towards curtailing banditry and other security challenges bedeviling the state.
He stated further that ”the people of Daura would not hesitate in volunteering within their capacity to mobilise grassroot support for the troops.”
The Royal father urged ”the COAS and troops not to rest on their oars until normalcy is completely restored.”
He also used the opportunity to congratulate the COAS on his appointment and prayed that God will guide and direct him to efficiently command the affairs of the Nigerian Army and use his tenure to bring sustainable peace and tranquility to the nation.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
