FG Launches “Operation Fansan Yamma” to Combat North-West Banditry

The Federal Government is finalizing plans to launch “Operation Fansan Yamma”, a new joint military command aimed at tackling the escalating insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region. This was revealed by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, during his courtesy visit to Governor Uba Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, on Thursday. The visit was part of the minister’s official tour of the North-West Zone.

Abubakar highlighted the importance of establishing a command and control center in the region to address the widespread banditry, which has threatened lives, livelihoods, and security. He emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tasked the defence ministry with innovative solutions to end the ongoing violence.

“The president has charged us to be innovative and find lasting solutions to this security problem. We are working hard to ensure the success of “Operation Fansan Yamma” Abubakar stated.

Regional Collaboration

The minister further disclosed that the government is working in close cooperation with neighboring countries, particularly Niger Republic, to curb terrorism and arms trafficking. He noted that these transnational efforts are essential to cutting off the supply lines of arms and terrorists that fuel the violence in the region.

“We are collaborating with military and security agencies from neighbouring countries to tackle terrorism, banditry, and arms trafficking. Recently, the Minister of State for Defence visited Sokoto to gather recommendations, and the Chief of Defence Staff held talks with the Nigerien government to enhance joint operations,” he explained.

He acknowledged the security challenges in Sokoto, especially near its borders with Niger Republic, but reassured the public that the government is aware of the situation and is taking concrete steps to address it.

“The collaboration with Niger will help us better combat the movement of terrorists, arms, and ammunition across borders,” he added.

Governor Sani’s Remarks

In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani emphasized the critical need for a Command and Control Centre to coordinate military and security operations in the region. He also called for greater support for local security forces and improvements in intelligence gathering.

“We must establish a Command and Control Centre to coordinate efforts against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers. We need to strengthen local intelligence systems, boost agricultural investment, expand rural infrastructure, and improve access to education and healthcare,” Governor Sani said.

He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its commitment to tackling the multidimensional insecurity plaguing the North-West. Sani highlighted how the region, once considered Nigeria’s food basket, now suffers from food insecurity, healthcare challenges, and increased poverty due to the insecurity.

“Insecurity has crippled every aspect of life in the North-West. Our people, once thriving, now face food shortages, poor access to healthcare, and widespread poverty. Schools are empty because criminals terrorize the region with no regard for human life,” he lamented.

The governor also made a special recommendation, suggesting that Operation Safe Haven, currently operating in Southern Kaduna, should be reassigned to the 1st Division in Kaduna for better operational coordination.

Impact on the Region

Governor Sani expressed hope that the upcoming *Operation Fansan Yamma* will significantly improve food security, boost school enrolment, enhance healthcare access, and revitalize the rural economy. He added that the operation would create a safer environment for investments and infrastructure development.

“With this development, we expect marked improvements in all areas of life—food security, education, healthcare, and economic growth. This will create an enabling environment for investments and the revival of stalled projects,” he concluded.

Sani also commended President Tinubu for his continued support of the North-West, praising his leadership and swift response to the region’s security needs.