GUSAU, Nigeria (FN), Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged troops to intensify operations against bandits in the country’s North‑West, declaring that Nigeria must be made safe “at all costs.” He made the remarks during his maiden operational visit to troops under Operation Fansan Yamma in Gusau, Zamfara State.
Oluyede told soldiers that the fight against banditry is a national priority, stressing that the military must sustain pressure on criminal groups disrupting communities in Zamfara and neighboring states. His comments come as the North‑West continues to grapple with widespread attacks, kidnappings, and displacement linked to armed groups.
Nigeria has struggled with banditry for more than a decade, with Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Sokoto among the hardest‑hit states. Previous military operations, including Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Forest Sanity, were launched to curb violence but have faced challenges due to the scale of insecurity and difficult terrain.
Reactions to Oluyede’s charge were mixed. Security analysts welcomed the renewed commitment, saying it could boost morale among troops and reassure affected communities. Civil society groups, however, cautioned that military operations must be accompanied by humanitarian support and dialogue to address root causes of banditry. Local residents expressed hope that intensified action would bring relief, though some voiced concerns about potential civilian casualties in expanded operations.
Observers say Oluyede’s visit signals a determination to reassert military presence in the North‑West. Analysts note that success will depend on sustained coordination between the armed forces, local authorities, and communities in tackling the crisis.
