Insecurity: COAS Gives Fresh Directive To Troops On Bandits, Kidnappers Terror Attacks

Troops of the Nigerian Army have been directed to deal decisively with kidnappers, bandits and terrorist groups causing unrest in the country.

Naija News reports that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya gave the directive on Wednesday during an operational tour of the Army Headquarters 1 Division in Kaduna State.

The COAS who was received and conducted round Forward Operational Bases Sabo Birnin and Rigassa by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Kabiru Mukhtar, admonished the troops to take seriously their operational engagements and training.

The statement made available to newsmen on Thursday (today) by the Army Director of Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu read; “Describing emerging security threats as real, the COAS directed the troops to decisively deal with bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening the security of the nation.

“He urged the troops to remain committed to ensuring the security of lives and property of the citizenry, maintaining that it is crucial for officers and soldiers to always cultivate cordial civil-military relations with members of their host communities and the general public as critical stakeholders and catalyst for operational success.”

Naija News understands the Yahaya during the tour, presented a brand new Toyota Hilux to the Regimental Sergeant Major of Headquarters 1 Division, Auwalu Taudo.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Command of the Nigeria Police has denied reports that armed bandits have taken over some communities in the state and imposed heads and fines on the residents.

The Police said it was aware of the news in circulation claiming bandits have taken over Sabon Birni villages and subjected the residents to tax payment.

Naija News reports that Sabon Birni, a local government area in Sokoto State has experienced multiple attacks by gunmen in recent times.

However, the spokesperson of the Sokoto Police Command, ASP Sanusi Abubakar in a statement issued on behalf of the State Commissioner of Police said bandits have not imposed new heads or fines on the people of the community as claimed in some reports.