Military Seeks Local Support in the Fight Against Terrorism in the North-West
The Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Oluyinka Olalekan Soyele, has called for greater local involvement in the collective effort to address terrorism and banditry in Nigeria’s North-West region. Maj.-Gen. Soyele made this appeal while receiving members of the Zamfara State chapter of the Nigerian Legion, led by chairman Aminu Ladan Mada, in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, on Wednesday. According to a statement from Lt.-Col. Abdullahi Abubakar, the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Center, General Soyele explained that the restructuring of previous operations, including Operation Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch, into Operation Fansan Yamma, was intended to enhance coordination and responsiveness to the security challenges in both the North-West and Niger State. He reported notable progress, especially in reducing banditry along the Gusau-Funtua Highway, and assured the delegation that troops remained on high alert, ready to carry out the operation’s objectives, supported by local intelligence and cooperation. During the visit, Mada offered condolences on behalf of the Legion following the recent death of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. Mada expressed confidence in General Soyele’s leadership, emphasizing his vast experience and dedication to confronting the security issues at hand. He also promised the Legion’s support for Operation Fansan Yamma and stressed the importance of collaboration between the joint forces and local communities to create a safer environment. He thanked the Defense Headquarters for restructuring the operations in the North-West, calling it a vital step toward ensuring effective cooperation and maximizing resources in the fight against insecurity.
