The Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari is canvassing support for the Nigerian Army in the ongoing anti-banditry operations in North West of the country.
The governor called on the people of the North West and indeed all Nigerians to support the efforts of the Armed Forces when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya paid him a courtesy visit Thursday 5 August 2021 at the Government House, Katsina.
The COAS was on an operational tour of 8 Division, as well as formations and units under the Division’s area of responsibility according to a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyeam Nwachukwu.
Governor Masari pointed out that there had been significant improvement in the security situation of Katsina state but noted that the troops could do more if given the necessary support by Nigerians.
He however expressed appreciation to the military and security agencies, urging the troops to sustain the momentum of the ongoing operations, particularly in rural communities in order to halt isolated cases of killings and abductions by bandits in those areas.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to continue supporting the Nigerian Army (NA) and other security agencies in tackling security challenges in the state.
The COAS in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the Governor and people of Katsina State for their support to the Nigerian Army while reassuring the people of the state of improved security in the state and the North West as a whole.
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General Yahaya reaffirmed his determination to enhance collaboration with the state government, as well as synergy with other security agencies in restoring peace and security in the region.
The COAS was also at the palace of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji (Dr) Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, where he paid homage to the Royal father. He used the medium to call on traditional rulers and critical stakeholders to assist security agencies with useful information that will support troops’ anti-banditry operations.
The COAS during the visit also interacted with the troops at the Headquarters 17 Brigade and assured the officers and soldiers of the formation of his readiness to support ongoing operations with requisite logistics and other necessities to enhance the conduct of their operations.
He encouraged the troops to remain steadfast in carrying out their duties in the service to the nation in conformity with the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Army and declared that while he will make it a point of duty to reward diligence, gallantry and good conduct; he will not hesitate to punish indolence and bad conduct.
Nnenna.O
