The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, conducted his maiden operational visit to the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) in Gusau, Zamfara State, on Monday, April 20, 2026. During the visit, the CDS issued a decisive “No Retreat” order, charging the military to flush out the remnants of bandits and criminal networks terrorizing the North-West. Consequently, the visit has served as a significant morale booster, signaling a renewed and more aggressive phase in the fight against insecurity.
CDS Visit to Zamfara – A Mission of Readiness and Morale
The primary objective of General Oluyede’s visit was to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the operational readiness of the troops. He emphasized that the safety of the Nigerian people is a non-negotiable priority for the armed forces.
- Direct Charge: General Oluyede instructed the troops to take the fight to the criminals’ enclaves, stating, “We must make Nigeria safe at all costs.”
- Addressing Challenges: Furthermore, the CDS held closed-door briefings to address specific logistics and operational hurdles facing the soldiers in the field.
- Welfare Commitment: Therefore, he assured the personnel of continued support in terms of improved training, equipment, and welfare packages to sustain their resilience.
Strengthening Air and Ground Coordination
Next, the CDS highlighted the role of technology and aerial support as a “Force Multiplier” in the difficult terrain of the North-West. He noted that while resources are currently shared across multiple theatres, the government is actively working to acquire more platforms.
- Enhanced Aerial Support: General Oluyede acknowledged that coordination between the ground troops and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is being optimized to deliver more effective strikes.
- Armoured Mobility: Specifically, he lauded the recent deployment of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, which have significantly increased the troops’ protection and mobility.
- Institutional Synergy: Moreover, he urged for seamless inter-agency cooperation to ensure that “Sovereign Stability” is maintained across the region.
Collaborative Security: The “One Health” of Defense
Furthermore, the CDS paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, where he emphasized that military action alone is not enough to end banditry.
- Intelligence Sharing: General Oluyede appealed to the local communities for “Credible and Timely” intelligence, noting that information is the lifeblood of successful operations.
- State Support: He commended Governor Lawal for the state’s proactive support, particularly in providing infrastructure and additional armoured vehicles for the military.
- Regional Stability: This visit marks a transition toward a more “Industrially Vibrant” security strategy, where community engagement and professional military force work in tandem.
CDS Visit Zamfara – Summary of the Visit
In conclusion, General Oluyede’s visit to Zamfara is a firm promise that the military will not relent until peace is restored. Therefore, residents can expect a surge in specialized operations in the coming weeks. This move proves that the “Result-Oriented” leadership of the CDS is focused on tangible victories. Thus, the journey toward a safer and more secure North-West continues with every bandit enclave neutralized.
