In a significant move to bolster morale and intensify the fight against insecurity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a special commendation to the troops on the frontlines in Northwest Nigeria. The message was delivered personally by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, during a visit to the North-West Theatre Command Headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State.
Presidential Commendation and New Directives
The minister addressed the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA on Friday, November 17, 2025, following Juma'at prayers at the Command Mosque. He relayed that President Tinubu expressed deep appreciation for their courage, professionalism, and the substantial gains made in degrading bandit networks across the region.
According to Matawalle, the President specifically acknowledged the successful neutralisation of several key bandit leaders and their fighters. He noted that only a few remnants of these criminal elements remain and issued a clear directive for their complete elimination. The President assured the troops of his administration's full support in terms of logistics, modern equipment, and welfare to ensure this final objective is achieved.
Federal Government's Sustained Commitment
Received by the Theatre Commander, Major-General Warrah Bello Idris, Minister Matawalle commended the soldiers for their resilience. He described their relentless efforts as the central pillar behind the gradual restoration of peace in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
The minister went further to reiterate the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to sustaining the counter-insurgency momentum. This commitment, he stated, will be demonstrated through:
- Improved welfare packages for personnel.
- Provision of modern military equipment.
- Enhanced intelligence gathering capabilities.
In response, Major-General Idris described the minister's visit as a tremendous morale booster for his men. He stated that the visit reflects President Tinubu's personal interest in the well-being and operational readiness of the troops deployed in the region.
Operational Gains and the Path Forward
During a detailed operational briefing, the minister was informed of recent successes, which included the neutralisation of high-value targets and the recovery of communities that were previously under the control of bandits.
Addressing officers and soldiers on the parade ground, Matawalle urged them to maintain the highest levels of discipline and vigilance. He emphasized that, given their recent achievements, a decisive victory over banditry is now within reach.
With the dry season operations now underway, which typically favour military mobility, security analysts suggest that this renewed and direct presidential backing is expected to further strengthen the ongoing efforts to finally put an end to the scourge of banditry in the Northwest.
