The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Faruk Yahaya, on Wednesday, said that the troops deployed to restore normalcy in Zamfara are winning the war against banditry and kidnapping.

The COAS made the disclosure while briefing reporters after his maiden visit to the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Gusau.

The COAS said the troops were committed to tackling the insecurity bedeviling the entire Northwest region.

The army chief said that, although the bandits had been wreaking havoc in some areas, the Nigerian Army is collaborating with other security agencies to eliminate all criminal elements.

Mr Yahaya enjoined citizens to support the military with vital information that would expose the criminals residing in their domain.

The army chief said he was visiting Army formations to interact with officers and men in the field to appreciate them and encourage them in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

On arrival, the COAS was received by Brigadier-General Isiaka Olatunji, the Brigade Commander, Group Captain Daniel Musa-Komo, Commander Quick Response Group, and Commissioner of Police in Zamfara, Husseini Rabiu, among other officers.

The army chief also held closed door meetings with senior officers of the Brigade, after he paid a courtesy call on Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara before departing the state. 

(NAN)