Army launches new offensive against bandits in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

The Nigerian Army has announced completion of arrangements towards commencement of Operation Harbin Kunama III covering Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states aimed at making forest areas aggressive hell for armed bandits who have been terrorising peace across the axis.
This was disclosed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai who, was represented by Major General Lamidi Adeosu yesterday in a preparatory press briefing held at 8 division of the Nigerian Army Gusau the Zamfara state capital.
The General said, the Operation which was planned to hold from 2nd to 27th of June will serve as compliment to the existing Operation Sharan Daji security architecture emplaced in the affected states with a view to ensure the continued menace of banditry activities across some parts of Northwest region is brought to end.
“The unwholesome and dastardly acts of these bandits have adversely affected the socioeconomic activities in these areas with attendant effect on human and economic security. It has also led to deaths and maiming of innocent people with the attendant wanton destructions of properties”, General Buratai has lamented.
He further assured that the NA leadership will continue to provide troops with all the equipment and necessary support to combat against all the menaces within available resources, adding that, “I also want to acknowledge and appreciate the support of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for your excellent collaboration and cooperation with our troops.”
The Chief of Army Staff also commend Officers and men of the NA for display of courage and gallantry in dealing with the myriad of security challenges confronting the nation especially the insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest and other forms of criminality in other parts of the country in a most professional manner.
He called on communities especially at the affected areas not to panic with the heavy movement of troops and or the unpleasant sounds of weapons as all were meant for total restoration of peace for them to go back for their normal and legitimate businesses as contained in the constitution.