On Thursday night, Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar underlined the Federal Government’s intention to combat banditry and instability in the country.
The Minister made this statement while paying a courtesy visit to Governor Uba Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna as part of his official tour of the North-West zone.
The visit is to finalise preparations for the beginning of ‘Operation Fansan Yamma,’ a unified military theatre command designed to combat regional insecurity.
Abubakar, speaking to journalists shortly after the visit, highlighted the importance of establishing a Command and Control Centre in the Northwest zone in combating banditry.
“The president has charged us to be innovative and find lasting solutions to this security problem. We’re working hard to ensure its success,” he said.
The minister also emphasized the government’s joint efforts with neighboring nations, particularly the Niger Republic, to tackle terrorism and arms trafficking.
“We are working closely with the military, security agencies, and neighbouring countries to tackle terrorism, banditry, and arms trafficking. The Minister of State for Defence recently visited Sokoto to gather recommendations, and the Chief of Defence Staff met with the Nigerien government to discuss collaborative efforts,” Abubakar explained.
Abubakar acknowledged worries about the security situation in Sokoto and its borders with the Niger Republic, but stressed that the government was taking serious steps to address the issue.
“It’s a real concern, but we are not unaware of the situation. We are working hard to tackle it. The collaboration with Niger will help combat the movement of terrorists, arms, and ammunition,” he said.
Abubakar assured Nigerians that the president is committed to putting an end to insecurity across the country.
“The president is committed to ending insecurity in Nigeria. We’re working tirelessly to ensure peace and stability. I assure Nigerians that we’ll tackle these challenges, and by God’s grace, we’ll succeed,” the Minister said.
Governor Sani emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in combating insecurity during his remarks, which included a welcome to the Minister.
“We must establish a Command and Control Centre to coordinate our joint efforts against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements in our region. We must also amplify support to our security forces, enhance our localized intelligence systems, stimulate investment in agriculture and agri-business, expand rural infrastructure, broaden access to education and healthcare, and promote inclusivity among all our citizens,” he said.
Sani thanked the Federal Government for its commitment to tackling the North-West Zone’s complex insecurity concerns.
He was particularly concerned about the devastating repercussions of insecurity on the North-West Zone, such as food insecurity, reduced access to healthcare, and rising poverty.
“We are grateful for the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the multidimensional challenges of insecurity confronting the North-West Zone. This initiative is timely and strategic, and we believe it will significantly improve food security, school enrollment, healthcare delivery, and the rural economy in general.
“Insecurity has had a debilitating effect on all facets of life in the North-West. Our zone, which is the food basket of Nigeria, now faces the challenge of food insecurity. Our people can not access health facilities. Most of our children are out of school due to the activities of criminals with scant regard for human life and dignity. Poverty has worsened. Fear pervades our zone,” he lamented.
However, the governor expressed confidence that the yet-to-be-launched “Operation Fansan Yamma” will provide an enabling climate for investment and economic growth in the zone.
“With this development, there will be significant improvements in food security, school enrollment, access to healthcare delivery services, and the rural economy in general. It will further create an enabling environment for investments, economic growth, and revival of infrastructural projects which were stalled due to insecurity,” he said.
The governor further advised that Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna be shifted to 1 Division in Kaduna rather than the 3rd Division, Jos in Plateau State, for operational reasons.
“I suggest that Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna be reassigned to 1 Division in Kaduna for operational and administrative convenience,” he said.
Sani also praised the progress made in establishing Operation Safe Corridor (North-West), emphasizing the importance of a solid coordinated framework to combat instability.
“We understand and appreciate the need for a strong collaborative framework towards tackling challenges of insecurity. We have nurtured a strong collaborative framework with security agencies, along with streamlined intelligence gathering and strategic coordination of security-related matters in Kaduna State,” he said.
He praised President Bola Tinubu’s continued support for the North-West Zone and thanked the Defense Minister, Chief of Defence Staff, and Military High Command for their assistance.
“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s uncommon and sustained support to the North-West Zone. He has shown courage in adversity. We are grateful to him for always listening to us and taking practical steps to actualise our recommendations,” he added.
