In a sustained effort to strengthen civil-military cooperation, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General WB Idris, had engaged executives of the Mayanchi Development Association led by its Chairman, Alhaji Lawali Barga, at the Theatre Headquarters, Gusau. The meeting provided an opportunity for the delegation to present security concerns affecting Mayanchi and surrounding communities.
Speaking during the engagement, Alhaji Lawali Barga commended troops for their sacrifices in protecting the community but expressed concern over the recurring attacks by terrorists, which have resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of residents. He appealed for enhanced operational support, including improved response to distress calls, reinforcement of troops and equipment, periodic troop rotation, and approval for community-supported security infrastructure. He also reaffirmed the community’s commitment to supporting military operations through credible intelligence and cooperation.
Responding, Major General Idris appreciated the delegation for engaging the Theatre Headquarters and described community partnership as essential to addressing insecurity. He stressed that security is a collective responsibility requiring a whole-of-society approach and assured the delegation that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to restoring normalcy in Mayanchi and other vulnerable communities. The Theatre Commander noted that several ongoing operational measures may not be publicly visible but would produce positive results, urging residents to remain patient and continue supporting the military with timely and credible information.
The engagement underscored the Theatre’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with host communities as part of its non-kinetic efforts to address insecurity across the Joint Operations Area. It also reaffirmed the importance of sustained community support, timely intelligence sharing, and mutual trust in achieving lasting peace and security in Mayanchi and other vulnerable communities.
The engagement concluded with a group photograph and a visit by the delegation to the Theatre’s Wall of Heroes, a monument established in honour of personnel of Operation FANSAN YAMMA who paid the supreme price in the line of duty since the commencement of the operation in2024.
