The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has directed troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to intensify operations against bandits and other criminal groups in Nigeria’s North-West region.

The directive was given during his operational visit to the Joint Task Force Headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, where he assessed troop readiness and ongoing efforts to restore peace in the area.

Addressing the soldiers, Oluyede praised their courage and sacrifices, urging them to remain disciplined and relentless. He stressed that the safety of citizens depends on their commitment, calling on them to pursue criminal elements until they are eliminated.

He also assured troops of continued support in welfare, training, and provision of necessary equipment to enhance their effectiveness in the field. The CDS highlighted the importance of improved air support and better coordination across operations.

During the visit, Oluyede paid a courtesy call to the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, commending his support for military operations and encouraging stronger collaboration, especially in intelligence sharing.

Governor Lawal, in his response, appreciated the efforts of the Armed Forces and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security operations in the state.

The visit included operational briefings, troop interactions, and an assessment of deployments as part of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the region.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new campus of the Nigeria Police Academy in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The President also approved a ₦15 billion take-off grant for the institution. According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the move aligns with the provisions of the Nigeria Police Academy (Establishment) Act, 2021, which allows for expansion into multiple campuses nationwide.

The take-off fund will be sourced from the TetFund 2026 allocation and will support key infrastructure, academic facilities, student accommodation, and essential training equipment.

The decision followed a high-level meeting involving the Minister of Police Affairs, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.

The meeting considered factors such as student capacity, funding, academic standards, and the long-term needs of the Nigerian Police Force. The expansion is expected to enhance policing education, institutional governance, and national security.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has begun deploying drones, body cameras, and other modern equipment across all states to improve security operations.

The Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, approved the rollout during the corps’ annual strategic meeting in Abuja, attended by state commanders from across the country.

He said the move is part of efforts to improve surveillance, intelligence gathering, and quick response to security threats.

The new equipment includes drones, GPS trackers, situation room kits, bulletproof vests, helmets, night-vision goggles, and body cameras. Officers also received backpacks with solar chargers and mini tablets.

Abubakar explained that the tools will help tackle issues like banditry, illegal mining, and infrastructure vandalism.

He warned officers to use the equipment strictly for official duties, adding that misuse would lead to serious punishment.

The NSCDC boss also noted that the corps has recently destroyed over 400 illegal refineries and arrested suspects involved in illegal activities.

He added that the new tools will support special units like Agro Rangers and improve cooperation with other security agencies.