Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has said that despite threats of banditry, the operations of the Nigerian Army (NA) in the State has increasingly enabled farmers to access to their farms without threats.
He made the remark when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General, Faruk Yahaya paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday 19 October, 2021 at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
According to him, farmers even in Danko Wassagu have now returned to their farming occupation.
The COAS was in the State as part of his operational visit to 8 Division Area of Responsibility to assess troops’ operational engagements.
Governor Bagudu urged the NA to sustain her operations and bring about lasting peace in Kebbi State and Nigeria at large.
He commended the Nigerian Army for providing aid to civil authority at a critical period, when Non-State Actors are engendering criminality and insecurity in the society and are shielded by unpatriotic citizens.
He further urged the Nigerian Army to continue to partner with other security agencies and stakeholders to rid the Northwest of banditry. The Governor reaffirmed the State government’s commitment in collaborating with the NA to tackle insecurity in the State.
Governor Bagudu also introduced reconfigured operational vehicles to the COAS, which he said were constructed by the State government under the supervision of the Deputy Governor, Colonel Samaila Yombe Dabai (rtd) to provide operational platforms for troops. He assured the COAS that the vehicles will soon be handed over to the troops for deployment.”
In his remarks, the COAS, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya lauded the State government and people of Kebbi State for their support to the Nigerian Army.
He said renewed measures will be taken to address the security challenges affecting the State.
He called on the State government to sensitize the public on the danger of colluding with bandits to create panic within their communities.
He also noted that all hands must be on deck to resolutely deal with the prevailing security situation.
General Yahaya also took a tour of 1 Battalion, Birnin Kebbi, where he was given a detailed operational brief on the security situation of Kebbi State.
In his address to troops of the Battalion, General Yahaya urged them to “remain focused and professional in the conduct of every operation.”
Arrangement, he said, is being made to provide the unit with “necessary equipment to enable it carry out its mandate.”
