By Aboki Mohammed
Minna
Men of the Nigerian Armed Forces at the weekend began what they tagged, “Operation Yaki” in some local government areas of Niger State.
The deployment of the soldiers followed the recent kidnap of some politicians, including the Munya council Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr. Anthony Francis, and the Kaza Ward chairman of the party, Alhaji Kaza.
Also, two sisters to the Munya Local Government Area chairman, (names withheld) are among the victims of the early Saturday morning attack when the suspected kidnappers armed with sophisticated weapons raided the chairman’s residence in Kuchi village.
Operation Yaki, according to source, is to among others, safeguard lives and properties of citizens by dislodging cattle rustlers, kidnappers and other criminals that have taken over most of the forests in some local government areas in the state.
Aside last Saturday’s kidnap of some politicians in Munya, Shiroro and Rafi, local government areas had been under the siege of cattle rustlers, armed robbers and kidnappers recently.
Indication that the military is taking over the fight against criminals in the area 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 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 in the GOCs team, accompanied by five truck loads of stern and heavily armed soldiers whose presence created fears in the state.