The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has pledged that the Nigerian Army will intensify operations to improve security in Katsina State and across the country.
General Oluyede gave the assurance during a visit to the Acting Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Faruk Lawal Jobe, at the Government House, Katsina, where he condoled with the government and people of the state over recent bandit attacks that claimed lives and destroyed property.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief emphasized that immediate and stronger measures would be implemented to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies in the collective effort to defeat banditry and safeguard communities
Responding, Acting Governor Jobe expressed gratitude for the Army Chief’s visit and assured of the state government’s continued partnership with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. He noted that Katsina had made heavy investments in the security sector and would sustain such support to rid the state of criminal activities.
The Acting Governor also commended the Nigerian Army’s commitment, timely response to distress calls, and unwavering dedication to protecting lives and property. He further appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to security in Katsina and the nation at large.
As part of his operational tour of the state, General Oluyede was briefed at Natsinta Barracks by the Commander of 17 Brigade, Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, on the unit’s operations, challenges, and strategies. The COAS praised the Brigade’s efforts and promised enhanced logistics support to boost their performance.
Continuing his three-day visit, the Army Chief inspected troops at Forward Operating Bases in Dutsinma, Safana, and Malumfashi. At each location, he urged the soldiers to intensify operations, deny bandits freedom of action, and decisively deal with criminal elements threatening peace in the state.
General Oluyede reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of troops and assured them of continuous provision of logistics and operational platforms to enable them deliver effectively in their mandate of protecting Nigeria.
