In April 2026, Olufemi Oluyede intensified military operations against bandits and criminal groups during an operational visit to the Theatre Command of Operation Fansan Yamma in Gusau.
The visit marked his first official operational trip to Zamfara State since assuming office as Chief of Defence Staff.
During the engagement, Oluyede charged troops to sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements operating across the North West.
According to military updates published online,CDS urged personnel to eliminate insecurity threats and restore safety across affected communities.
Operation Fansan Yamma Remains Key Security Mission
The CDS Anti Bandit Operations push comes amid continued military offensives under Operation Fansan Yamma across several North West states.
The operation focuses on combating:
- banditry,
- kidnapping,
- armed attacks,
- and criminal networks operating within forest regions.
Reports linked to the visit showed that the CDS assessed ongoing operations, troop deployment, and combat readiness during the inspection.
The military has continued carrying out coordinated land and air offensives targeting criminal hideouts across Zamfara and neighboring states.
Troops Ordered to Sustain Pressure on Criminal Groups
During the operational briefing, Oluyede reportedly instructed troops not to relax pressure on armed groups terrorizing communities in the region.
According to reports surrounding the visit, the CDS emphasized the need for:sustained offensives,intelligence driven operations And stronger coordination among security forces.
He also reportedly told troops to make Nigeria safe “at all costs” as part of broader military efforts aimed at restoring stability in the North West.
North West Insecurity Continues Drawing Attention
Security challenges linked to banditry and kidnappings have remained major concerns across parts of Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, and Sokoto states.
Military authorities have therefore continued expanding operations aimed at dismantling armed networks and restoring public confidence.
The latest visit by the CDS further highlighted the federal government’s growing focus on military action and coordinated security operations in the region.
In Summary,CDS Anti Bandit Operations initiative reflected renewed military efforts to intensify security operations across Zamfara and the wider North West.
Oluyede’s operational visit to Operation Fansan Yamma further reinforced the military’s commitment to combating banditry, improving security, and restoring stability in affected communities.
