By Kawaekwune Jeffrey
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, on Tuesday, announced the harmonisation of all joint task force operations to address terrorism and banditry in Nigeria’s North West.
The Defence Chief made this known during a press briefing in Abuja.According to him, there is need to unify efforts. He noted that multiple operations such as Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Whirl Stroke were operating within the region.
He explained:”We have seen the need to harmonise them into one operation like we did in the North East, where you have Operation Hadin Kai. The same thing is being done now for the North West operation, and we have one unified operation that is going to be called ‘Operation Pansan Yanma.”
It would be recalled that terrorism, banditry and kidnappings have plagued the region. Terrorist groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) frequently carry out deadly attacks, especially in the North-east.
While speaking on the latest development, Musa explained that this harmonisation would allow a single commander to oversee and effectively coordinate all troops and equipment to address security challenges in the area under review. The CDS noted that the bandits often move across states, taking advantage of the fragmented operations.
He highlighted the importance of local support in defeating the terrorists and warned that the insurgents, who receive information about troop movements, are driven by criminal intent and lack any allegiance. He explained that the military would assist locals in building their capacity to defend themselves in the event of an attack.
Musa reassured Nigerians that efforts were being made to secure schools across the country, especially those located in remote areas. “Actions have been taken to ensure that they are either placed together where security could be provided,” he added.
Earlier, Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Major General Emeka Onumajuru, provided updates on military successes, noting that over 170,000 locals had returned to their homes in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, respectively.
Additionally, he said 125,517 terrorists and their families have since surrendered, with some moving to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State.
