Insecurity: Army begins ‘Operation Yaki’ in Niger LGCs

BY MAIRIGA Juliana, Minna

Apparently to stem all forms of insecurity which has assumed a dangerous dimension in the state last week, men of the Nigerian Armed Forces have begun what they tagged, “Operation Yaki” in some local government areas of Niger state.
Deployment of soldiers coming on the heels of the kidnap of some politicians including the Munya Local Government Council Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr. Anthony Francis and the Kaza Ward Chairman of the party, Alhaji Kaza.
Also, the two sisters to the Munya Local Government council chairman, (names withheld) are among the victims of the early Saturday morning attack when the suspected kidnappers armed with sophisticated weapons invaded the Chairman’s residence in Kuchi village.
Operation Yaki, according to findings is to amongst others safeguard lives and properties of citizens by, dislodging cattle rustlers, kidnappers and other criminal elements that have taken over most of the thick forests in some local government areas in the state.
Apart from last Saturday’s kidnap of some politicians in Munya, Shiroro and Rafi Local Government Councils had been under the siege of cattle rustlers, armed robbers and kidnappers in the last couple of months now.
Indications that the Military is taking over the fight against criminals that has laid siege to Niger emerged on Monday when Major General Mohammed Mohammed, the General Officer Commanding 1 Mechanized Brigage, Nigerian Army led some top military officers to the Government House Minna for final preparations for the commencement of the operation.
Though journalists were not allowed into the enlarged security meeting to brief the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, our correspondent learnt that the operation is to be Co-ordinated by Major-General Mohammed Mohammed, the General Officer Commanding 1 Mechanized Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
Major General Odiakor, Garrison Commander, Colonel Yau representing Commander Signals, Colonel Obayo Staff Officer to the GOC were all on the GOCs team, accompanied by five truck loads of stern and heavily armed soldiers whose presence created fears as their presence was felt by civil servants when they noticed that the army has taken over the entire government house.
The top Military brass held a 20 minute meeting with the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso and another round of 15 minutes meeting with the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isah Ladan before moving out of government house in the same order.