General Musa Unifies Joint Task Forces to Bolster Fight Against Northwest Terrorism and Banditry
General Musa Unifies Joint Task Forces to Bolster Fight Against Northwest Terrorism and Banditry
General Musa Unifies Joint Task Forces to Bolster Fight Against Northwest Terrorism and Banditry
By Ayshatu S. Rabo
In a bold move to strengthen the fight against terrorism and banditry in the Northwest region, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has announced the harmonisation of joint task force operations into a single unified command.
Speaking at a media briefing on the military’s nationwide operations, Musa revealed the launch of “Operation Fansan Yanma,” which consolidates existing efforts under a streamlined command structure.
The decision comes after Gen. Musa’s recent visit to the Northwest theatre of operations, where he evaluated ongoing military activities, including Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Whirl Stroke.
Gen. Musa emphasised that the unification of these operations under one banner, akin to *Operation Hadin Kai* in the Northeast, would create greater synergy and effectiveness in addressing the security challenges in the region.
“Now the intention is to ensure that we synergise all our efforts in addressing the security challenges in the Northwest,” said Musa. “Bandits have been able to move fluidly between states, but with one unified command and operational strategy, we’ll be better equipped to tackle this threat decisively.”
Musa highlighted that the integration would place all troops and equipment under a single commander, improving operational coordination and resource management. He also called for greater cooperation from local communities, stressing that public support is crucial for the military’s success in eliminating the bandit threat.
“The bandits’ objective is to create chaos through acts of criminality, but they rely on insider information about troop movements. We must build local capacity so that communities can hold their ground while awaiting military assistance during attacks,” he said.
In addition to tackling banditry, the CDS reassured Nigerians of the military’s commitment to securing schools across the country, particularly those in isolated areas.
“Measures are being taken to relocate vulnerable schools to safer zones, where troops can swiftly respond to any potential attacks.
“We have thousands of schools scattered all over. Efforts have been made to position them in such a way that troops can quickly respond in case of any threats to the lives of pupils,” Musa added.
Providing further updates on the military’s achievements, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, reported significant progress in the Northeast, where over 170,000 displaced individuals have returned to their homes in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. Additionally, about 125,517 terrorists and their families have surrendered, with many reintegrating into society through the non-kinetic Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State.
The military has also intensified efforts to curb crude oil theft and bolster oil production, following directives from President Bola Tinubu. According to Onumajuru, these efforts have not only improved economic activities but also contributed to a successful farming season in the affected regions.
“Major roads and markets have been reopened, and we are working to ensure that the upcoming harvest is as successful as the planting season,” he said.
With the launch of Operation Fansan Yanma, the military is poised to deliver a more coordinated and robust response to security challenges in the Northwest, bringing hope to millions affected by violence in the region.
General Musa Unifies Joint Task Forces to Bolster Fight Against Northwest Terrorism and Banditry
