The Nigerian Armed Forces has issued a stern warning to terrorists operating in Zamfara and surrounding states, urging them to surrender or face the full force of military firepower.
This warning comes as part of the military’s renewed efforts to combat banditry and bring an end to the persistent violence plaguing the region.
The Theatre Commander of the newly launched Operation Fansar Yamma, Major General Oluyinka Soyele, delivered this message during a visit to Governor Dauda Lawal at the Government House in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State.
According to General Soyele, the terrorists’ only option is to surrender or face elimination.
Zamfara State, located in Northwest Nigeria, has been at the heart of banditry for over a decade, with residents enduring frequent attacks, kidnappings, and killings.
In recent weeks, the Gusau-Funtua Highway has become a hotspot for daily assaults by fleeing terrorists.
General Soyele assured the public that the Nigerian Armed Forces is fully prepared to launch a major offensive against these terrorists, aiming to eradicate them not only from Zamfara but also from the entire Northwest region.
He stressed the importance of local support in achieving success, calling on citizens to provide timely and accurate information about the terrorists’ hideouts.
“We are more committed than ever to make sure that Zamfara State and all other Northwest states and part of the North Central are free from all terrorist activities, we are much more than ready to take the battle to them, it is either they surrender or they die,” Soyele declared.
He further explained that the military is engaging with local communities and village leaders to emphasize the importance of their cooperation.
“We are making efforts to reach out to the local communities and heads of some villages, we are trying to let them know that it is only by their support that will make us overcome the menace of terrorism in the state, it is not by aiding the bandits, alongside kinetic Operation we are also going to conduct non-kinetic operation,” Soyele added.
Governor Dauda Lawal acknowledged the escalating attacks along the Gusau-Funtua Highway and assured the public that his administration is working closely with the military to restore peace and stability to the region.
The establishment of Operation Fansar Yamma was announced by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, during a recent visit to Zamfara.
This new operation will integrate Operation Hadarin Daji and other ongoing military efforts in the Northwest to form a unified theatre command, strengthening the fight against terrorism and banditry in the region.