The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Warrah Idris, has directed troops to prepare for a more intense phase of operations aimed at completely eliminating banditry in Nigeria’s North West region.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 8 Division Headquarters Training School in Sokoto, Idris said recent successes, 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, urging troops to strengthen their mental and physical readiness for the intensified campaign.
Idris emphasised discipline, leadership, and rigorous training as essential for successful operations, assuring soldiers that wounded personnel are receiving appropriate care. He also commended Man O’ War instructors for their contribution to troop preparedness.
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The commander later visited Illela, a key border town with the Niger Republic, to commend frontline troops for their recent victory over the notorious Lakurawa bandits. He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to boosting morale, supporting field operations, and ensuring lasting peace across the North West.
Banditry remains a major security challenge in the region, with criminal gangs responsible for mass abductions, cattle rustling, attacks on rural communities, and disruption of farming activities. In response, the Federal Government launched OPFY, a consolidated joint task force to intensify military operations across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and parts of Kaduna and Katsina.
Since its inception, the operation has achieved several milestones, including dismantling major bandit camps, arresting collaborators, recovering arms, and reopening previously deserted communities. However, pockets of bandit strongholds along border corridors with the Niger Republic persist, prompting the new aggressive posture under General Idris.