By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
In a swift response to the re-emerging cases of armed robbery, cattle rustling and kidnapping in the general areas of Minna – Birnin Gwari – Pandogari axis and Minna – Sarkin Pawa road in Niger and Kaduna states which continue to pose serious security threats, the 1 Division Nigerian Army has launched Operation Karamin Goro.
This was made known in a statement signed by the Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Muhammad Dole, made available to New Nigerian Newspapers on Thursday January 25, 2018.
“In response to these re-emerging security concerns, 1 Division Nigerian Army (1 Div NA) launched Operation Karamin Goro to clear the remnants of the criminals from their bases and ensure the safety of lives, properties and safe movement of the people within these general areas.
“In this operation, troops of 1 Div NA are closely supported by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) attack helicopters, Nigeria Police Force (NPF) detachments, Department of State Services (DSS) operatives and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel to ensure that peace and security, as well as law and order is restored,” it informed.
The statement said that the criminals use the thick forests as hideouts and major highways as staging areas to perpetuate their nefarious activities along highways, major roads, adjoining towns and villages.
“As a result of their dastardly acts, some remote villages were completely deserted, causing the residents to abandon their ancestral domains to unknown destinations for their safety,” it added.
The statement explained that Operation KARAMIN GORO (OKG) seeks to consolidate the gains of the previous operations by completely denying the criminals freedom of actions and the will to commit acts of criminality against innocent and law abiding citizens.
“Necessary arrangements and measures have been put in place to ensure safe passage of persons, motorists and their properties along these areas while the operation lasts.
“While assuring the residents of these towns, villages and highway users the commitment of the troops and other security agencies involved in the operation, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Div NA, Major General Mohammed Mohammed seeks the understanding, cooperation and support of the general public for a hitch free operation,” it added.
It requested that the general public should provide credible information to the security agencies that will lead to speedy execution of this operation.
“In addition to numerous means of communication, the general public to enjoined to call 193 from any network provider to reach the security agencies for prompt response,” it concluded.
