The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning to bandits and terrorists, declaring that the military will relentlessly pursue and expel them from the country.
Maj.-Gen. Musa made this commitment during a courtesy visit to Governor Uba Sani at the government house in Kaduna on Friday.
He stated, “For terrorists and bandits, their time is running out. We are coming after them, and we will completely eradicate them from our beloved nation.”
Maj.-Gen. Musa further revealed that the military is currently reassessing its theatres of operation with the aim of optimizing their effectiveness.
He explained, “We are expanding our operations and adopting a two-pronged approach that combines both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. By deploying more troops to close the gap, we will curtail the freedom of movement for these terrorists.”
Emphasizing the importance of community involvement, the CDS appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, stressing that everyone has a role to play in ensuring security.
With regards to Kaduna, Maj.-Gen. Musa expressed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability to the state, citing its strategic significance and the harmonious diversity of its people.
He assured the governor and the people of Kaduna that despite the challenges posed by security and the economy, the military will triumph and usher in a more secure future.
Governor Uba Sani, in his response, reiterated the state government’s plea for the extended presence of Special Forces in the ongoing campaign against banditry and terrorism.
He also called for an expansion of Operation Safe Haven in the southern areas of Kaduna, particularly in Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Kauru, and Sanga Local Government Areas (LGAs), due to the prevailing challenges.
The governor highlighted the urgent need to implement measures in the Birnin Gwari area to prevent bandits and terrorists from using the Kuduru, Kuyanbana, and Kamuku forests as their hideouts.
He further emphasized the necessity of closing the corridors that connect Birnin Gwari with neighboring states such as Zamfara, Niger, and Katsina, in order to thwart criminals from exploiting these routes.
According to Governor Sani, “We have intensified efforts to foster inter-state collaboration in the fight against banditry and terrorism.”
He assured everyone that the state government is actively engaging with fellow governors, fine-tuning strategies, and intensifying joint efforts to eliminate safe havens for criminals in the North West and North Central regions.
The governor concluded by assuring the military of the government’s unyielding support and its unwavering commitment to maintaining a cordial relationship.
“Remember that you can always count on our earnest prayers, sincere support, and best wishes as you lead the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he affirmed.
