In a renewed push to reclaim troubled communities in the Northwest, Major General W.B. Idris, Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), has directed troops to escalate their offensive against armed bandits.
General Idris issued the directive during his first operational assessment visit to the 8 Division headquarters and Sector 2 OPFY at Giginya Barracks, Sokoto. The tour included a review of troop performance, training protocols, and the welfare of soldiers wounded in action.
Addressing the troops, he stressed the importance of psychological readiness for a high-intensity phase of operations, noting that success would depend on courage, discipline, dedication, and sacrifice. He also assured troops of advanced combat equipment, drones, and logistical support to strengthen operational capabilities.
The Theatre Commander commended Major General Ibikunle Ajose, General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2 OPFY, for his proactive leadership in tackling security threats across the region. He also highlighted the need for close collaboration with the Police, Civil Defence, and Air Force to ensure coordinated operations.
During the visit, Idris interacted with wounded soldiers, promising quality care, and shared a morale-boosting meal with frontline troops of the 248 Battalion in Ilela. The tour also featured inspections of the Quarter Guard, Division Training School, and an operational briefing by the GOC. The visit concluded with a presentation of a bouquet from the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association.
General Idris emphasized the importance of community engagement, urging troops to work with local leaders, vigilante groups, and traditional councils to protect civilians, schools, markets, and places of worship. He underlined that minimizing civilian casualties and maintaining public trust are critical components of the operation.
The Theatre Commander noted that OPFY’s intensified campaign aims to restore stability across affected states in the Northwest, including Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna. He said intelligence-led operations, combined with enhanced surveillance, forward operating bases, and rapid response units, would improve territorial coverage and operational effectiveness.
Soldiers expressed confidence in the renewed directives, citing improved welfare provisions, medical care, and training support. “We are motivated to reclaim our communities and protect civilians”, said one officer on the frontline.
The House of Representatives and security experts have praised OPFY’s efforts, noting that coordinated military action, community collaboration, and technology-driven surveillance are key to countering banditry and restoring peace in the region.
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