Army vows to end banditry, restore peace in Katsina

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has vowed to eliminate bandits terrorising Katsina State and other parts of the country.

Oluyede made the pledge on Wednesday during his maiden operational visit to the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army at Natsinta Barracks, Katsina.

Speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting with senior officers, the army chief said his visit was aimed at assessing the Brigade’s operational effectiveness and addressing any challenges hindering the fight against banditry.

He said, “I am here to evaluate the operational activities of the 17 Brigade, identify their challenges, and find quick solutions to enable them to carry out their assigned duties more effectively.

“You will agree with me that the Brigade has been performing well. However, I am here to urge them to step up their efforts so that we can completely eliminate these bandits and restore peace to the state.”

The Army Chief noted that the military had recorded significant successes in the fight against banditry but stressed that more needed to be done to achieve lasting security in the region.

“My message to my soldiers is simple: this is a core responsibility that comes with defending Nigeria. It is imperative that we eliminate these criminals so that Nigerians can live in peace, the government can focus on development, and citizens can go about their daily activities without fear,” Oluyede said.

The Army Chief was received at Natsinta Barracks by the Commander of the 17 Brigade, Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola, shortly after 1 pm on Wednesday.