Lawal urges CDS to boost military support to tackle Zamfara banditry

Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has reiterated his call for more military effort to restore law and order and allow communities return to their farms.

Lawal made the call while receiving the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Gusau, Zamfara on Monday.

He said that security remained the foundation for meaningful development, noting that the largely agrarian population of Zamfara only needed a safe environment to farm and sustain their livelihoods.

“It’s pertinent call for intensified military support and stronger collaboration to address the insecurity that has continued to bedevil the people of the state and across the North-West region for several years,” he pleaded.

Lawal described the CDS visit as timely and a clear demonstration of the Armed Forces’ commitment to addressing the security challenges confronting Zamfara and the North-West region.

He noted that the presence of the military high command would serve as a strong deterrent to criminal elements operating within and around the state.

Lawal noted that improving security at the community level remained critical, insisting that restoring safety in Zamfara would significantly reduce insecurity across the region.

The governor recounted a recent encounter with residents of Wanzaamai community who blocked his convoy to express their concerns over persistent attacks by bandits following the withdrawal of security personnel from their area.

According to him, that emotional appeal from the women and children highlighted the urgent need for renewed military presence and protection in vulnerable communities of the state.

He said that the criminal elements were not stronger than Nigeria’s security forces, but emphasised the need for strategic coordination, adequate logistics, and sustained operational support to defeat them.

Lawal, however, acknowledged the challenges faced by security personnel, pledging continued support from the state government to complement the federal government effort.

He appealed to the Defence Chief to provide additional assistance to field commanders, including the Theatre and Brigade Commanders, to enhance their effectiveness in the ongoing operations.

The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the continued support to the Armed Forces, while calling for increased intervention to strengthen security at the grassroots level.

Earlier, Oluyede said the visit was part of efforts to assess ongoing military operations under the Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) and engage with stakeholders on improving security in the region.

The defence chief explained that he had reviewed operational activities on ground, adding that several challenges identified by troops had already been addressed, while others were being carefully considered for further action.

“I want to particularly thank Your Excellency for the support you have rendered to Operation Fansan Yamma.

“It is quite uncommon. Such collaboration significantly boosts the morale and effectiveness of troops in the field,” he said.

The defence chief expressed appreciation to the people of Zamfara, for their cooperation with security forces, noting that their support had created a conducive environment for military operations.

Oluyede said that addressing insecurity required collective responsibility, emphasising that Nigeria’s security challenges were surmountable if all stakeholders worked together.

The CDS described his visit as a mark of respect and recognition of the governor’s leadership, noting that it was important to engage directly with the state government in the fight against insecurity.

He expressed optimism that with sustained collaboration between the military, government, and citizens, banditry, kidnapping, and activities of other criminal elements in Zamfara and the North-West region would be effectively curtailed.