Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi has charged newly deployed Nigerian Army troops in Yauri to decisively flush out bandits terrorising parts of the state and restore peace to affected communities.

Mr Idris gave the charge on Friday while inspecting the troops deployed to reinforce ongoing military operations in Yauri Emirate and neighbouring communities.

“I want to call on all of you to ensure that you wipe out these bandits.

“They continue to attack our innocent communities, and with your deployment, I am confident that, by God’s grace, you will successfully address the challenge of banditry in this area,” he said.

Mr Idris said the activities of the bandits were aimed at destabilising peaceful communities but expressed confidence that the renewed military reinforcement would defeat the criminal elements.

He urged the troops to sustain aggressive operations against bandits and other criminals until lasting peace was fully restored in the affected areas.

The governor said improved security would enable displaced farmers to return safely to their farmlands and allow residents to resume their lawful socio-economic activities without fear.

He also expressed confidence in the professionalism, courage, and operational capacity of the Nigerian Army, noting that the military had consistently demonstrated its ability to tackle security challenges within and outside the country.

The governor commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the prompt deployment of additional troops to Kebbi.

He described the reinforcement as timely and strategic in strengthening ongoing efforts to combat banditry in the state.

Mr Idris said the Yauri axis, comprising Yauri, Shanga and Ngaski Local Government Areas, remained one of the state’s major security flashpoints because of its proximity to Niger and Zamfara states.

The governor added that Fakai Local Government Area shares a boundary with Sokoto State, while Kebbi also has an international border with the Republic of Benin, making parts of the state vulnerable to cross-border criminal activities.

He appreciated the security personnel already serving across the state, saying the arrival of additional troops would further strengthen ongoing operations and boost the morale of officers and soldiers on the frontline.

Mr Idris assured the troops of the Kebbi government’s continued support, pledging to provide the necessary logistics and assistance to facilitate their operations.

The governor said that although the soldiers were personnel of the Federal Government, they had been deployed to safeguard the lives and property of Kebbi residents, making their welfare and operational success a priority for his administration.

He described security as a collective responsibility that requires sustained collaboration between the federal and state governments.

(NAN)