CDS orders total offensive against bandits

… Vows safer N’West, stronger air support

Gusau: The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) to intensify operations and flush out all remaining bandits and criminal elements from the North-West region.

Oluyede gave the directive on Monday during his maiden operational visit to troops in Gusau, Zamfara State, where he assessed their readiness, reviewed operational challenges, and boosted morale in the ongoing counter-banditry and anti-kidnapping campaign.

He declared that Nigeria must be made safe “at all costs,” stressing that the military would sustain renewed pressure on criminal networks with improved aerial support.

“My charge to the troops is clear: go out there and eliminate all these criminals. We must make Nigeria safe at all costs,” he said.

The CDS reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ determination to clear the North-West of banditry, noting that sustained operations would ultimately restore peace and stability in the region.

He acknowledged existing limitations in air support but assured that efforts were ongoing to strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s operational capacity.

According to him, available platforms are being deployed across multiple theatres, while government is working to acquire additional equipment to support ground operations.

Oluyede commended the Zamfara State Government and local communities for their continued support to military operations, noting recent procurement of armoured vehicles, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) platforms, which he said would enhance operational effectiveness across the region.

He also appealed for stronger collaboration from residents, particularly in intelligence sharing, describing credible information as critical to dismantling bandit networks operating in the area.

The Defence Chief later paid a courtesy visit to Governor Dauda Lawal, where both held a closed-door meeting before his departure from the state.