By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari has called on all Nigerians, particularly those residing in the northwest to support ongoing anti banditry operations in North West Nigeria.
Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in a press release on Friday, said the governor made the appeal when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya paid him a courtesy visit today Thursday 5 August 2021 at the Government House, Katsina.
The press release said the COAS was on an operational tour of 8 Division, as well as formations and units under the Division’s area of responsibility.
He said that the governor noted significant improvement in the security situation of Katsina state and solicited more support for the troops to enable them do more.
“He said “While expressing appreciation to the military and security agencies, Governor Masari urged the troops to sustain the momentum of the ongoing operations, particularly in rural communities, adding that this is necessary to halt isolated cases of killings and abductions by bandits in those areas.
“He reiterated the state government’s commitment and continued support to Nigerian Army (NA) and other security agencies in tackling security challenges in the state.
“Delivering his remarks, the COAS expressed gratitude to the Governor and people of Katsina state for their support to the NA. He reassured of improved security in the state and the north west as a whole. Gen Yahaya reaffirmed his determination to enhance collaboration with the state government, as well as synergy with other security agencies in restoring peace and security in the region.
“In a related development, the COAS was at the palace of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji (Dr) Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, where he paid homage to the Royal father. He used the medium to call on other traditional rulers and critical stakeholders to assist security agencies with useful information that will support troops’ anti banditry operations.
The DAPR said the COASwas at Headquarters 17 Brigade where he assured troops of his readiness to support ongoing operations with requisite logistics and other necessities to enhance the conduct of their operations.
