By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-Chief)
The Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has solicited the support of traditional rulers in Northwest Nigeria for reliable and actionable information that will aid troops in combating the menace of banditry.
He said this is a crucial role of the local authorities and is pivotal in decisively combating the activities of the criminals.
The Chief of Army Staff made the plea when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk Umar, at his palace in Daura on Friday, August 6, 2021. General Yahaya told the Royal father that he was on an operational tour of Army formations and units in 8 Division and in the northwest theatre of operation to evaluate, re-strategize and reinvigorate ongoing operations, as well as motivate troops deployed to fight banditry in the region.
He reaffirmed the 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 North West Zone.
General Yahaya interacted with troops of the 171 Battalion at Fort Muhammadu Buhari Forward Operating Base, during which the troops cataloged their challenges as a unit and as individuals. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that their wellbeing is topmost in the agenda of his command, adding that military personnel must get their due entitlements and not be short-changed.
While appreciating the Emir and the good people of Daura for their support and cooperation to the troops, the Chief of Army Staff 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 banditry in their localities and the state in general.
In his remarks, 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 that the people of Daura will not hesitate in volunteering within their capacity to mobilize grassroots support for the troops.
The Royal father urged the Army Chief 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.
During the tour, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) also assessed ongoing projects at the 171 Battalion permanent site where he planted a tree to commemorate his visit. He also had an interactive session with officers from other security agencies. NNL.
