By Hosea Parah, Abuja

In a significant move to tackle ongoing security challenges in Zamfara State, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, visited the state on September 13, 2024. His visit aimed to strengthen the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to restoring peace and security in the region.

During his address at the Government House in Gusau, General Musa expressed gratitude to Governor Dr. Dauda Lawal for his unwavering support to the AFN and other security agencies. He commended the governor for the visible developments in the state over the past year, noting the resilience of the people despite ongoing security threats.

“The people of Zamfara are looking happy,” General Musa stated, emphasizing his solidarity with the residents. He assured the governor that the military is dedicated to restoring peace, aligning his mission with the mandate from President Muhammadu Buhari.

A key focus of General Musa’s visit was to address farmers’ concerns regarding bandit interference. He assured that the AFN would provide the necessary security to enable farmers to cultivate their lands freely, ultimately aiming for bountiful harvests to alleviate current hardships. In a strong pledge, he vowed to bring notorious bandits to justice.

The CDS also urged the residents not to collaborate with bandits but instead to provide vital information to security agencies to help eliminate the criminal elements. He announced a restructuring of military operations in the state, which has now been elevated to a theater command status, with General Officers Commanding serving as component commanders. The operation has been renamed ‘Operation FANSAN YAMMA’ to enhance operational synergy and effectiveness. Additionally, he revealed that President Buhari has approved the deployment of more military resources to bolster these efforts.

In a show of solidarity with the troops, General Musa addressed the 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, praising their recent success in ambushing and neutralizing scores of terrorists. He emphasized the importance of a positive mindset in warfare, stating, “Machines don’t fight wars; humans do.” He committed to ensuring that the troops have the necessary tools and support for their operations.

Governor Dr. Dauda Lawal expressed his gratitude to General Musa for making the journey from Abuja to Zamfara, which he described as a testament to the CDS’s commitment. He noted that the presence of General Musa has boosted the morale of the people, instilling hope for an end to insecurity in the region. The governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to collaborating with military and security agencies.

In a recent development, the Sector One Joint Task Force (NW) Operation Hadarin Daji successfully ambushed a group of terrorists along the Gusau-Funtua Road, neutralizing 40 individuals, including the notorious kingpin Halilu Buzu. Arms and motorcycles were also recovered during the operation, showcasing the ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in the state.

This visit marks a renewed commitment from military leadership to work in tandem with state authorities to restore peace and security in Zamfara, with hopes that the new strategies will yield positive results for the community.