Babatunji Wusu –
- The Nigerian military warned bandits in Zamfara to surrender or face deadly force.
- Major General Oluyinka Soyele emphasized the military’s commitment to combat banditry in terrorist enclaves.
- Zamfara has been a center of violent attacks and abductions for over a decade.
- The military seeks community support to gather intelligence for combating terrorism.
- Governor Dauda Lawal pledged the state government’s readiness to tackle terrorist threats on key highways.
- The establishment of Operation Fansar Yamma aims to consolidate efforts against banditry in the Northwest.
The Nigerian military has issued a stern warning to bandits terrorizing Zamfara and neighboring states, urging them to either surrender or face lethal force from troops. This declaration emphasizes the military’s commitment to confront banditry directly within the terrorists’ strongholds.
During a visit to Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal at the Government House in Gusau, Major General Oluyinka Soyele, Theatre Commander of the newly established Operation Fansar Yamma, stated that surrender is the only viable option for the terrorists. He highlighted that Zamfara has been a hotspot for banditry, with residents enduring deadly attacks, abductions, and killings for over a decade. Recent reports indicate that the Gusau-Funtua Highway has faced daily assaults from fleeing terrorists.
Soyele reassured that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is prepared to launch a significant offensive against the terrorists to drive them out of Zamfara and other troubled areas in the Northwest. He emphasized the importance of community support, urging residents to provide timely and relevant information that could assist in locating the terrorists’ hideouts.
“We are more committed than ever to ensure that Zamfara State, along with other Northwest and North Central states, is free from terrorist activities. The choice is clear: they can either surrender or die,” Soyele asserted. He added that the military is actively engaging local communities and village leaders, stressing that cooperation is essential for overcoming the menace of terrorism.
Governor Dauda Lawal acknowledged the state government’s awareness of the attacks on the Gusau-Funtua highway and expressed readiness to confront these challenges to restore peace. During a prior visit, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa announced the formation of Operation Fansar Yamma, which will integrate Operation Hadari Daji and other operations in the Northwest into a single coordinated effort.
