OPFY: Theatre Commander Idris Orders Troops to ‘Stamp Out’ Bandits
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General WB Idris, has ordered troops of the 8 Division and Sector 2 OPFY to intensify their offensives and “stamp out bandits completely” from the North West region.
General Idris gave the directive during his maiden operational assessment visit to the 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 OPFY at Giginya Barracks, Sokoto, where he evaluated ongoing operations, troop readiness, training procedures, and the welfare of personnel wounded in action.
Addressing frontline soldiers, the Theatre Commander said his visit marks the beginning of a more aggressive phase in the battle against banditry.
“The tempo of this battle is just beginning. You must prepare yourselves mentally and physically. Our mission is clear — go after the bandits and eliminate them completely,” he charged.
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General Idris emphasized that success would depend on the courage, discipline, dedication, and sacrifice of the troops. He assured them of increased combat support, improved logistics, and enhanced operational resources to strengthen their capacity in confronting armed groups terrorizing communities.
He commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 OPFY, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, for his proactive leadership in addressing security threats within the sector’s area of responsibility.
The Theatre Commander visited soldiers wounded in action, promising they would receive the best medical attention.
He also visited the 248 Battalion in Illela, where he shared a meal with troops to boost morale.
Earlier, the GOC briefed General Idris on operational gains, training activities, ongoing challenges, and resource needs within the theatre.
Highlights of the visit included inspection of the Quarter Guard, familiarization with the Division Training School, presentation of a NAOWA bouquet to the Theatre Commander, interaction with injured personnel, and a comprehensive operations briefing.
Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations for the 8 Division, confirmed the visit in a statement on Wednesday.
