The Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, has called on Nigerians, particularly those residing in the North-West to support ongoing anti banditry operations in the region.

The Governor made the appeal when the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya paid him a courtesy call on Thursday at the Government House, Katsina.

The COAS was on an operational tour of 8 Division, as well as formations and units under the Division’s area of responsibility.

A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, made available to journalists in Katsina on Friday, revealed that Governor Masari observed that there had been significant improvement in the security situation of Katsina State.

The statement added that the Governor observed that the troops could do more if given the necessary support by Nigerians.

The statement added, “While expressing appreciation to the military and security agencies, Governor Masari urged the troops to sustain the momentum of the ongoing operations, particularly in rural communities, adding that this is necessary to halt isolated cases of killings and abductions by bandits in those areas.”

Governor Masari was quoted to have reiterated his government’s commitment and continued support to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in tackling security challenges in the state.

According to the statement, the COAS expressed gratitude to the Governor and people of Katsina State for their support to the Nigerian Army.

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General Yahaya was said to have reassured of improved security in the state and in the North-West as a whole.

He was also said to have reaffirmed his determination to enhance collaboration with the state government, as well as synergy with other security agencies in restoring peace and security in the North West.

In a related development, the COAS was at the palace of the Emir of Katsina, Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, where he paid homage to the Royal father.

He used the medium to call on other traditional rulers and critical stakeholders to assist security agencies with useful information that will support troops’ anti banditry operations.

The COAS also assured troops of his readiness to support ongoing operations with requisite logistics and other necessities to enhance the conduct of their operations.

The statement said General Yahaya gave the assurance at the Headquarters 17 Brigade, Katsina while addressing officers and soldiers of the formation on Thursday.

He encouraged the troops to remain steadfast in carrying out their duties in the service to the nation in conformity with the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Army, warning that while he will make it a point of duty to reward diligence, gallantry and good conduct, he will not hesitate to punish indolence and bad conduct.