The exercise commenced on May 10 as directed by the Chief of Army Staff following incessant armed banditry, kidnapping and others violent criminal activities in the North West. Yahaya explained that the target of the operation was to block strategic locations at the fringes contiguous to epicentre of banditry activities in Zamfara. It was “to contain and neutralize the fleeing bandits from forests in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi while still conducting other activities across our area of responsibility in support of civil authority,” he added. “Accordingly, 1 Division mobilized and deployed troops on special clearance and blocking force operations in the 3 formations under the command namely, 3 Bridge Kano, 31 Artillery Bridge Minna and 1Division Garrison Command Kaduna, whose areas of responsibilities either have direct access route or share common boundary with Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara States. “Our main focus is in taking the fight to bandits, pursuing them in their camps and hideouts for destruction.”Yahaya called on residents to avail the troops with credible and timely information instead of only reporting when bandits and criminals have attacked and fled.

Source: The Guardian June 26, 2019 18:22 UTC