On Thursday night, Defence Minister Mohammed Abubakar underscored the Federal Government’s determination to address banditry and insecurity in Nigeria during a courtesy visit to Governor Uba Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna. This visit was part of his official tour of the North-West region, aimed at finalizing preparations for the launch of “Operation Fansan Yamma,” a joint military initiative designed to combat insecurity in the area.
Following the meeting, Abubakar emphasized the critical establishment of a Command and Control Centre in the North-West as a vital step in the fight against banditry. He stated, “The president has charged us to be innovative and find lasting solutions to this security problem. We’re working hard to ensure its success.”
The Minister also highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts with neighboring countries, particularly Niger Republic, to tackle terrorism and arms trafficking. He noted recent visits by the Minister of State for Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff to gather recommendations and discuss strategies for cooperation with Nigerien authorities.
Addressing the security challenges in Sokoto and its borders, Abubakar acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but reassured that proactive measures are being taken. “It’s a real concern, but we are not unaware of the situation. The collaboration with Niger will help combat the movement of terrorists, arms, and ammunition,” he stated.
Reassuring Nigerians of the government’s commitment to eradicating insecurity, Abubakar said, “We’re working tirelessly to ensure peace and stability. I assure Nigerians that we’ll tackle these challenges, and by God’s grace, we’ll succeed.”
Governor Sani welcomed the Minister’s visit and stressed the importance of regional collaboration in addressing insecurity. He advocated for the establishment of a Command and Control Centre to coordinate efforts against terrorists and other criminal elements, while also calling for enhanced support for security forces and improved local intelligence systems. He emphasized the need to stimulate investment in agriculture, expand rural infrastructure, and promote access to education and healthcare.
Sani expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling the multidimensional challenges of insecurity in the North-West, noting the adverse effects on food security, healthcare access, and poverty levels. He lamented, “Insecurity has had a debilitating effect on all facets of life in the North-West. Our zone, which is the food basket of Nigeria, now faces the challenge of food insecurity.”
Despite these challenges, Sani remained optimistic about the potential of “Operation Fansan Yamma” to create an enabling environment for economic growth and investment. He suggested that Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna be reassigned for operational convenience and commended the progress of Operation Safe Corridor (North-West) in enhancing security coordination.
In closing, Sani praised President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support for the North-West and expressed gratitude to the Defence Minister and military leadership for their continued assistance. “We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s uncommon and sustained support. He has shown courage in adversity and has taken practical steps to address our recommendations,” he said.
Written By; Christopher Emuakpeje