Katsina State Acting Governor, Faruk Lawal-Jobe,has called for deployment of more ground troops and air operations to strengthen ongoing operations against banditry in the state.
Mr Lawal-Jobe, made the call on Monday, when the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lit.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, paid him a courtesy visit.
“We have had discussions with the COAS privately, and I have pointed out areas where we need their intervention as quickly as possible.
“We need more ground troops and air operations from the army and the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in the trouble areas to curb banditary and kidnapping.
“The response from the COAS was very encouraging, where he pledged to support us much more than we think, in terms of personnel and assets.
“What he requires from us is cooperation and synergy to achieve this by providing credible intelligence, so that, collectively, we should be able to deliver,” he said.
The acting governor further pledged that the state government would continue to do more to support the military in the war against the insecurity.
“We have so much investments in assets and homegrown initiative to ensure that we recruit the locals to support the drive,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Oluyede, who was in the state on an assessment visit following the recent banditry attacks in some parts of the state, commended the government for supporting the troops to carry out their duties.
He also condoled with the government and people of the state over the loss of lives in Malumfashi recently when the bandits attacked some worshippers during morning prayer.
“We are here to synergise and collectively face the challenge of insurgency and banditary, and see how we can bring it to an end.
“We seek for more support from the state government and people of the state in the areas of intelligence gathering.
“The fact is that, we are just fighting our own people, the enemies are within. That is the truth, and it is important to fish out the enemies of the state.
“Like I always say wherever I go, security is a collective responsibility. So, it is everybody’s business.
“Together, we can make Nigeria work better, and make it safe,” he said.
NAN
