The Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), Major General Oluyinka Soyele, has assured Nigerians that the northwest region is now significantly more secure, thanks to intensified and better-coordinated military operations targeting terrorists and bandits.
Speaking on Wednesday during a media engagement with Defence Correspondents at the OPFY Headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, Gen. Soyele noted that the operational synergy brought by OPFY has drastically improved the military’s response and combat efficiency across the region.
The visit formed part of the Defence Headquarters’ (DHQ) ongoing initiative to provide journalists with a comprehensive view of frontline activities and operational realities.
While highlighting recent gains, Gen. Soyele said areas previously overrun by criminal elements have now been reclaimed by government forces, with many previously impassable roads now reopened and safe for public use.
“The establishment of the theatre command has made the fight against terrorists more coordinated, unlike before when different units conducted operations independently without proper coordination,” he explained.
“Now, when an operation is carried out in Zamfara, adjoining forces are placed on alert, effectively preventing the movement of terrorists across state lines.”
He attributed the military’s recent successes to not only improved coordination but also enhanced logistical support and new combat equipment, which have augmented the effectiveness of personnel on the frontline.
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However, the theatre commander acknowledged persistent challenges, particularly the difficult terrain and inaccessibility of many remote communities in the northwest region, which delay timely responses to distress reports.
“Many communities in remote areas are inaccessible, making it challenging for us to respond quickly when we receive reports of terrorists in those areas due to the lack of accessible roads, which often serve as hideouts for them,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Gen. Soyele said the military has adopted a proactive approach to tackling insurgency by pursuing terrorists into their strongholds.
“Our strategy is to take the battle to their enclaves and engage them directly,” he said.
“Through this tactic, we have been able to neutralise many terrorist kingpins,” the Gen added.
He reiterated the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across the region, assuring the public that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain resolute in their mission to rid the northwest of all forms of insecurity.