Theatre Commander Joint Task Force North West (JTF NW) codenamed Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), Major General Warrah Idris, says bandits are already feeling the heat of intensified operations from troops especially as they seek to rescue abducted schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, Kebbi State and St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State.
This is just as Chief of Civil-Military Relations (Nigerian Army), Major General MA Etsy-Ndagi, has expressed concern that communities defending themselves against rivals are escalating, rather than addressing, the crisis and tensions in Plateau State.
General Etsu-Ndagi, who spoke during a media chat in Jos, Plateau State, emphasized that allowing communities to defend themselves hasn’t yielded positive results, but instead worsened the situation.
The Joint Task Force North West OPFY Theatre Commander, who spoke when he conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident location to obtain first-hand operational insight, therefore the troops to maintain unyielding pressure on the criminals responsible for the abductions.
He also charged the troops to remain vigilant and relentless in pursuing the perpetrators without granting them any respite until every one of the captured students is safely recovered and reunited with their families.
While expressing his confidence in the troops, he assured them that all necessary resources, support, and operational enablers would be deployed to guarantee success of the mission.
He was also briefed by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division and Commander Sector 3 OPFY, Major General CR Nnebiefe, on the ongoing coordinated efforts in conjunction with other security agencies aimed at ensuring the safe return of the abducted school girls.
A statement by the Media Information officer of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), Captain David Adewusi, quoted General Idris as reaffirming the determination of the Theatre, adding: “The bandits are clearly feeling the heat of our operations and will find no safe haven.”
Meanwhile, General Etsy-Ndagi explained that the crisis between farming and herding communities in Plateau State is a cycle of violence, with both sides engaging in attacks and counter-attacks.
He noted that the Army is emphasizing on the need to seize weapons, including locally fabricated ones, from anyone found with them.
According to General Etsy-Ndagi: “To ensure the security of lives and property, we have to ensure everyone is disarmed and nobody fabricates weapons, so as to give way to peace.
“The situation involves farmers and herders accusing each other of attacks, with farmers alleging farm destruction and herders alleging cattle rustling. It’s a circle of violence. We don’t condone communities defending themselves, but we protect traumatized communities and give them support.”
He also called on the residents in the State to live in peace with one another and cooperate with security agencies to ensure sustainable peace and development in their respective communities, adding that there is nothing better than peace.
He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army in the fight against insecurity bedeviling communities across the country.
