FG boosts anti-bandit operation with drones

Abdullateef Fowewe

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has made his first visit to Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA (HQ JTF OPFY) on Wednesday, where he was warmly received by Theatre Commander Major General WB Idris, alongside senior officers including the General Officer Commanding 8 Division/Commander Sector 2 OPFY, the Commander 1 Brigade, and the Commander, Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Group (NAF QRG).

The high-profile trip came right after the commissioning of new Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) procured by the Zamfara State Government to ramp up security in Zamfara and the broader North-West region.

Speaking directly to troops, General Musa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support, stating, “the induction of the new platforms would significantly boost mobility, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and rapid response capabilities within the theatre of operations.”

He praised the soldiers’ efforts, adding that they should “remain resolute, disciplined, and mission-focused in the discharge of their constitutional mandate of safeguarding lives and property.”

Major General WB Idris echoed the gratitude, noting the equipment’s timely impact: “the newly commissioned combat enablers would further consolidate operational gains and accelerate ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and stability across Zamfara State.”