I won't leave Katsina until I flush out bandits - Army Chief, Buratai

Following the incessant killings of residents in some local government areas of Katsina state by armed bandits, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai, during his courtesy visit to Governor Masari of Katsina state on Monday, disclosed that he has relocated to the state in a bid to coordinate activities of the army in flushing out the bandits.

Disclosing the new Operation Sahel Sanity of the Nigeria Army that is designed to flush out hoodlums terrorising parts of the North-West zone, the Chief of Army Staff explained that he would remain in the state for a while.

In his words, he said, ‘I came here two days ago and we will be here for some time to coordinate activities of the troops here in order to get some succour and also be able to resolve some of the challenges’.

He said, ‘we are aware of the deteriorating security situation in the North-West which calls for concern.

‘President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that appropriate steps be taken by the security agencies.

‘As part of our efforts to ensure that the president’s directives are followed, to stabilise the security situation, the Nigerian Army is carrying out an operation in collaboration with existing operations here in the North-West.

‘We have also moved the 2020 Nigerian Army Day celebration from Plateau State, to Katsina State, so that we will be able to muster all the forces required to contain the situation.’

In his remarks, Governor Masari lamented the recent attacks on communities that have indisposed several residents and made them feel terrified.

Masari explained further that after his visit, alongside senior military officers to the bushes where some of the bandits reside and having met some of their demands, which includes stopping arbitrary arrests by security personnel and gaining access to the markets, he expected that the situation would be long forgotten.

He said, ‘The only thing that these people know is force and unless we are able to subdue them completely, that is when we can bring the issue of talking with them, if necessary.

‘They are stark illiterate both in Islamic and Western education. They claim to be Muslims but that do know what it takes to make a person Muslim.

‘Talking with them at this time is a waste of time. So, I call on the security agencies to understand that the only language these bandits respect is the superiority of fire power.

‘It is only when the land is secured that we can move on as a government.