The newly deployed Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Fansan Yamma, OPFY, Maj. Gen. Bello Idris, has vowed that eradicating banditry in Zamfara State must remain a key focus of the military to end insecurity in the country.

The new Theatre Commander, who assumed duty as the OPFY in November, made this assurance during his maiden courtesy call on Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara in Gusau on Tuesday.

He assured that he has mapped out a new strategy to restore law and order in the banditry-ravaged areas of the State.

This medium recalls that the new OPFY Commander was redeployed from the Defence Department of Transformation and Innovation, following the recent posting of senior officers by the Nigerian Army headquarters.

The commander told Lawal that he was not in Zamfara State merely to reduce banditry but to fully operate and clear the area of insecurity influences.

He further said that plans are underway to implement new operational strategies with a particular focus on efficiency and deeper community engagement.

According to him, most of the bandits either live within local communities or maintain strong alliances with locals, assuring that such alliances will be dismantled head-on.

The OPFY boss pointed out that his operational strategy would focus on Zamfara in the coming weeks as the military intensifies efforts to dismantle the bandits’ networks.

Idris assured that arrangements were being made to deploy additional manpower, logistics and equipment to ensure the success of the new operation.

He further stated that the command would also adopt a mobile, aggressive posture to revamp operations and achieve greater efficiency in flushing out the bandits in the coming weeks.

The OPFY commanded joint operations covering the North West and parts of the North Central regions, including Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Sokoto and Zamfara.

He said community collaboration would assist the command through intelligence sharing, information gathering, and logistical enablers in its offensive to restore law and order in the area.

The newly deployed commander lauded Governor Lawal for the improved road infrastructure and support for the troops under his command.

Responding, Governor Lawal promised the State government’s support for the success of the military operations aimed at dislodging the bandits in the state and the region.

He also said that his administration had procured 30 Armour Personnel Carriers ( APC) for the security agencies to prosecute the ongoing war against banditry in the State.

Governor Lawal, who described the commander as “Son of the Soil”, assured that his understanding of the Zamfara terrain would enhance the success of the fight against banditry.

The governor reassured his support for the military mission, even as he reaffirmed that his administration would not negotiate with any bandit group.