The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, arrived in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, on Monday for a high-stakes operational visit aimed at crushing the resurgence of banditry in the North-West.

Addressing soldiers at the headquarters of Operation Fansan Yamma, the CDS made it clear that his presence was not merely ceremonial, but a direct response to the escalating security challenges facing the region.

General Oluyede explained that the primary purpose of his visit was to assess the combat readiness of the troops on the frontline and to personally identify the logistical challenges hindering their operations. “My charge to the troops is clear: they should go out there and eliminate all these criminals,” the General declared. He emphasized that the military is under strict orders to restore peace, asserting that “Nigeria must be made safe at all costs.”

During his briefing with the Theatre Commander, Major General Warrah Idris, the CDS acknowledged the public’s concerns regarding air support. He assured the troops and residents that the Federal Government is working tirelessly to acquire more platforms for the Nigerian Air Force to enhance synergy between ground and aerial forces.

He noted that while resources are currently stretched across multiple theatres of operation, the military is optimizing its available assets to maintain pressure on criminal elements.

Beyond the military briefings, the CDS also commended the Zamfara State Government for its proactive support, specifically highlighting the recent procurement of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and surveillance drones.

However, he stressed that a military victory depends heavily on local cooperation, urging residents to provide timely and accurate intelligence to security agencies. “The protection of lives and property rises above politics,” he noted, signaling a unified front against the bandits terrorizing the state.