Nigerian Army Re-Organises Operation Harbin Kunama III as Bandits flee Zamfara, Katsina for Kano, Kaduna, Niger

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen. TY Buratai has relaunched Operation  HARBIN KUNAMA III to extend and cover other Nigerian states of Kaduna, Kano and Niger.

The COAS in a press briefing stated that it has been observed that there appear to be a resurgence of bandits' activities in other contiguous States to Zamfara. This is occasioned by fleeing bandits that have resorted to attacking soft targets while relocating to other safe havens within contiguous States of KATSINA and SOKOTO. 

According to him, Current threat assessments revealed the migration of the bandits from their epicentre to other areas in KADUNA, KANO and NIGER States.

"It is against this backdrop that Exercise HARBIN KUNAMA III is being re-organised and its mandate expanded to effectively ensure the complete defeat of the fleeing bandits. This is to restore public confidence and enhance safety while also ensuring socio-economic activities continue without fear or intimidation."

Gen. Buratai said:  "It is on this premise that I want to plead with the general public to persevere in the face of seeming inconveniences due to restrictions that may be imposed in these areas while the Nigerian Army is conducting the exercise."

"The Nigerian Army mandate is aimed at building confidence and ensuring our country is rid of criminal elements that are poised to destabilise the normal life, rights and freedom of the people across the country as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution."

"I want to assure the general public that the Nigerian Army will carry out its constitutional mandate professionally and within the ambit of the law while adhering to the ROE. Consequently, I urge the general public to claim ownership of the security of the country and wilfully avail us with credible information that will assist in flushing out subversive and criminal elements from their hideouts and safe haven. "

"Be rest assured that the Nigerian Army will continue to support the non-kinetic efforts of the civil authority to combat criminality and banditry as well as prevent it from gaining traction and spreading to other relatively peaceful regions of the country."

"I wish to also appreciate our traditional rulers and religious leaders and further enjoin them to continue to support the NA with credible information that will assist in the professional conduct of our exercises and operations to rid the area of banditry and criminality. "

"They are encouraged to continue to galvanise their subjects and followers to tow the path of peaceful resolution of conflicts rather than resulting to violence which does nobody any good. I use this medium to once again call on all religious leaders to pray for the success of our exercise and operations as well as pray for the total eradication of insecurity in our country."

Exercise HARBIN KUNAMA III which was earlier launched by the Chief of Army staff on  31 March 2019 in Gusau, Zamfara State to counter the activities of the bandits and herdsmen in the North West states of Zamfara, Kastina and Sokoto, Buratai said has so far achieved tremendous successes within the past one month. 

According to the Army General, several bandits and criminal elements have been captured and killed while some camps, hideouts and equipment of the criminals have been destroyed.

"I must also commend officers and men of the NA for their display of courage and gallantry in dealing with the myriad of security challenges confronting the nation especially the insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West and other forms of criminality in other parts of the country in a most professional manner. "

"Nigerian Army leadership will continue to provide troops with all the equipment and necessary support to combat all of these menaces within available resources. 

"I will also want to acknowledge and appreciate the support of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for your excellent collaboration and cooperation with our troops. It is our hope that this synergy towards leveraging our collective security efforts would continue."

The Lieutenant General also  appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari and the Executive Governors of ZAMFARA, KATSINA and SOKOTO States for the support rendered throughout the conduct of the first phase of Exercise HARBIN KUNAMA III. 

"Indeed, the successes so far achieved would not have been possible without your magnanimity to the NA. I will not end this address without expressing our immense gratitude to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support to the NA. Indeed, Mr President’s continued support has significantly enhanced the combat effectiveness and morale of troops."

"It is on this note that I am pleased to thank members of the press and all who have made time to grace this event. Be rest assured of the can commitment of the Nigerian Army to sustain the existing synergy that has ensured seamless media operations and liaison with the media." Buratai concluded.