The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Yusuf Buratai, has declared war on armed hoodlums in Southern part of Kaduna, Kano, Plateau and Bauchi States with the inauguration of ‘operation harbin kunama’ – Scorpion Sting.
The operation, according to the army chief is expected to last for 30 days.
This development is coming barely three days after twelve persons were reportedly killed, while several others were injured in a fresh attack on the residents of Asso Community in Jemaa Local Governments Area of Southern Kaduna.
He said after the exercise, bandits would no longer be found anywhere in the states.
Buratai told the gathering which included the State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and other top government officials at the event held in Kafanchan, that the military would continue to assist in maintaining peace and harmony in the area.
Buratai, who said the first phase of ‘Operation Harbin Kunama’ was conducted in parts of Kaduna and Zamfara States in 2016, noted that the officers and men engaged in the operation would be guided by the rules of engagement.
He added that human rights protection was key to the operations.
Also speaking on the exercise, Maj.-Gen. David Ahmadu, the Army’s Chief of Training and Operations, said that the operation which would take place in 1 and 3 Divisions, Kaduna and Jos areas of responsibilities, would be conducted in collaboration with other security agencies.
He said the operation was meant to aid civil authority in combating armed banditry, kidnapping, cultism, civil unrest, ethno religious crisis and other security challenges.
“Of note is the increasing incidents of kidnapping and series of clashes between farmers and herdsmen in Southern Kaduna.
“This presupposes that troops need to be equipped with requisite skills to cope with these challenges in aid of civil authority.
“The operation will afford the troops opportunity to effectively checkmate the nefarious activities of marauding criminals perpetrating criminal acts in the region and its environment,” Ahmadu said.
The chief of operations, therefore, called on Kaduna, Kano, Plateau and Bauchi states’ residents not to panic as their safety and well being were guaranteed during the period.
“However, the general public is requested to remain on high alert and be security conscious as suspected criminals may be fleeing from the military operations in these areas to find safe haven amidst communities.
“The public is also reminded to report any suspicious activity or movement to the nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action,’’ Ahmadu said.
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