Army vows intensified offensive against banditry

…Pledges Troops’ Welfare Support

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to intensify operations against banditry while enhancing the welfare of its troops and fostering national unity. The announcement came during a special Eid‑el‑Adha luncheon for frontline personnel of the 8th Division and Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, held at the Forward Operating Base in Tureta, Sokoto State.

The gathering brought together officers and soldiers operating in challenging environments across the North‑West theatre of operations.

Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Commander Infantry Corps, Major General Godwin Mutkut, highlighted the Army leadership’s dedication to the welfare and morale of troops engaged in counter‑insurgency and anti‑banditry missions.

Mutkut praised the soldiers for their courage, discipline and resilience, describing their sacrifices as the backbone of Nigeria’s internal security framework.

He emphasized that the Nigerian Army remains united in both combat and celebration, noting that the luncheon was intended to boost morale, strengthen camaraderie and honour personnel deployed far from their families.

“The Nigerian Army stands together not only in battle but also in celebration. This gathering reflects our shared commitment, unity of purpose and collective resolve to defend Nigeria against all threats,” he said.

Mutkut also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as continued strategic support to the Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity.

He assured Nigerians that the Army would sustain and intensify operations aimed at dismantling banditry, kidnapping syndicates and other criminal networks, particularly in the North‑West.

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding 8th Division and Commander of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, praised troops for their gallantry and professionalism in ongoing operations.

He thanked God for the protection and success achieved by personnel, noting that recent operations had yielded significant gains in restoring stability across affected communities.

Koughna described the frontline luncheon as a deliberate leadership initiative aligned with the Army Chief’s “Soldier First” philosophy, which prioritises troop welfare, morale and operational effectiveness.

According to him, the gesture reinforces cohesion, recognises sacrifices and strengthens operational gains achieved in the theatre.

He further noted that troops of the 8th Division had continued to achieve successes against bandits and kidnappers, thereby restoring public confidence and improving civil‑military relations.

“Our diversity is not a point of weakness but a force that fuels victory and national unity. We stand together in the heat of battle, united by shared commitment to the defence of our country,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Jibia Muhammad, commended the Army leadership for sustaining welfare‑driven initiatives aimed at improving morale and operational efficiency, while urging civilians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence to enhance peace and stability.

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