The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Warrah Idris, has ordered troops to brace for a new phase of high-intensity operations aimed at completely wiping out banditry in the North West.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 8 Division Headquarters Training School in Sokoto, Idris said recent gains, including cleared enclaves, neutralised criminals and recovered weapons, must now be accelerated.
‘We are not here to dance or party with bandits. We are here to eradicate banditry’, he declared.
He urged troops to strengthen their mental and physical readiness as OPFY enters what he described as a more aggressive stage of the campaign.
He emphasised discipline, leadership and rigorous training as the backbone of successful operations, assuring soldiers that wounded personnel are receiving proper care.
Idris also praised Man O’ War instructors working with the division, saying their role in troop preparedness is well appreciated.
The commander later visited Illela, a key border town with the Niger Republic, where he commended frontline troops for their recent victory over the notorious Lakurawa bandits.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to boosting morale, supporting field operations, and securing lasting peace across the North West.
Banditry has remained one of the most persistent security challenges in the North West, with criminal gangs responsible for mass abductions, cattle rustling, attacks on rural communities and disruption of farming activities.
In response, the Federal Government launched Operation FANSAN YAMMA, as a consolidated joint task force to coordinate and intensify military pressure across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and parts of Kaduna and Katsina.
Since its establishment, OPFY has recorded several operational successes, including the dismantling of major camps, arrest of collaborators, recovery of arms and the reopening of previously deserted communities.
Pockets of bandit strongholds remain along border corridors with the Niger Republic, prompting the military to adopt a more aggressive posture under the new directive issued by General Idris.
