Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Well Catered For, Receive Timely Allowances and Operational Support — Theatre Commander
By Zagazola Makama
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General W.B. Idris, has assured Nigerians that troops deployed across the North-West theatre are receiving adequate welfare support, timely operational allowances and sustained logistical backing, describing personnel welfare as a critical pillar of the command’s operational success.
Major General Idris gave the assurance on Thursday during an interactive session with defence correspondents at the Headquarters of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Gusau, Zamfara State, while responding to questions on the welfare of frontline troops engaged in ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-banditry operations.
The Theatre Commander said the military high command has placed significant emphasis on improving the welfare of personnel, recognising that motivated and well-supported troops are better positioned to sustain offensive operations and achieve operational objectives.
According to him, the welfare of officers and soldiers remains a top priority for the Defence Headquarters and the Service Headquarters, with deliberate efforts being made to ensure personnel deployed in operational areas receive the support they require.
“Our troops are adequately catered for. The military hierarchy is doing everything possible to ensure that personnel serving in this theatre are well taken care of,” he said.
Major General Idris explained that one of the key welfare measures is the prompt payment of operational allowances, noting that personnel receive their Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) and other approved entitlements without unnecessary delays.
“Their allowances are paid as and when due. They receive their Ration Cash Allowance and other operational entitlements, and these are not delayed,” he stated.
The commander said beyond financial incentives, the military has also strengthened the logistics system supporting frontline operations by ensuring the regular supply of food, potable water and essential operational necessities to troops deployed across the theatre.
According to him, personnel operating in remote locations are provided with adequate feeding arrangements to enable them to concentrate fully on their assigned missions.
“They are well fed. Food is not a problem. Water is also provided, and every effort is made to ensure that our personnel have what they need to carry out their duties effectively,” he said.
Major General Idris further disclosed that troops are supplied with Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs), particularly during prolonged combat missions and operations conducted in difficult terrain where conventional feeding arrangements may not be feasible.
He explained that the MRE packs have become an important component of operational logistics because they enable troops to sustain themselves during extended patrols, clearance operations and deep-forest missions without interrupting the tempo of military operations.
“The military has provided Meals Ready-to-Eat for troops deployed on operations. These rations are particularly useful during extended missions where personnel may not have immediate access to conventional cooking facilities,” he noted.
The Theatre Commander attributed the improvements in troop welfare to the sustained support of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Naval Staff; the Chief of the Air Staff; and the Honourable Minister of Defence.
He said the leadership of the Armed Forces has demonstrated unwavering commitment to ensuring that personnel serving on the frontlines are not only properly equipped but also adequately motivated through improved welfare packages.
According to him, the operational effectiveness of troops depends not only on weapons and equipment but also on their physical well-being, morale and confidence that the institution values their sacrifices.
“When troops know that their welfare is being taken seriously, it boosts morale and strengthens their determination to accomplish assigned missions. Welfare is therefore an integral part of operational success,” he said.
Major General Idris noted that despite operating across a vast and challenging theatre covering several states, Operation FANSAN YAMMA has continued to maintain an efficient logistics chain capable of supporting troops deployed in forward operating bases and other remote locations.
He explained that continuous logistical resupply remains essential to sustaining ongoing offensive operations against terrorist and bandit groups that have retreated into forests and difficult terrain.
The commander commended officers and soldiers serving under the Joint Task Force for their resilience, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty despite the demanding operational environment.
He described their sacrifices as a major factor behind the steady gains recorded by the operation, including the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of weapons and restoration of security across many parts of the North-West.
Major General Idris reaffirmed that the military leadership would continue to prioritise troop welfare as part of broader efforts to sustain operational momentum and improve combat effectiveness.
He assured Nigerians that personnel deployed under Operation FANSAN YAMMA remain motivated, adequately supported and fully committed to restoring lasting peace across the North-West.
“Our personnel remain highly motivated because they know that the institution stands behind them. We will continue to provide them with the welfare, logistics and operational support necessary to accomplish the mission of securing our communities and defeating terrorist and criminal elements,” the Theatre Commander said.
