By Victor Akaa.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Friday undertook an official visit to Zamfara State, as part of his unwavering commitment to addressing the nation’s security challenges.
During his visit to the Government House in Gusau, General Musa expressed his gratitude to the governor for his unrelenting support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and other security agencies in the state.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence Information in a statement said the CDS commended the governor for the remarkable developments achieved within the past year.
General Musa acknowledged the resilience of the people of Zamfara, who, despite facing security challenges, remain hopeful.
He reaffirmed his solidarity with the people and assured the governor of his determination to restore peace to the state, in line with the mandate from the President.
The CDS pledged to ensure that farmers can cultivate their lands without interference from bandits, by providing adequate security measures to guarantee a bountiful harvest and alleviate the current hardship.
He expressed confidence in the team of security heads in Zamfara, vowing to bring notorious bandits to justice soon.
General Musa appealed to the people of Zamfara not to inadvertently aid bandits by serving as informants, but rather to provide vital information to security agencies to aid in the elimination of bandits.
He announced a change in the Defence Headquarters-led operations in the state, introducing a theatre command status with General officers commanding as component commanders, to enhance synergy and control between state actors.
The CDS also revealed that Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD) has been renamed Operation FANSAN YAMMA and that the President has approved the deployment of additional military platforms to achieve better results. He pledged to collaborate with state-owned security establishments, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to achieve peace.
During his address to the troops of 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, General Musa urged them to maintain a positive mindset, emphasizing that “humans, not machines, fight wars.” He pledged to provide the necessary tools and vigorously pursue their welfare.
The Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, expressed his gratitude to the CDS for his visit, acknowledging the significant level of commitment demonstrated. He pledged his government’s full cooperation with the military and other security agencies in the state.
In a related development, the Sector One Joint Task Force (NW) Operation HADARIN DAJI successfully ambushed and neutralized 40 terrorists, including the notorious kingpin Halilu Buzu, along the Gusau-Funtua Road. Arms and motorcycles were recovered during the operation.
