The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General W.B. Idris, has assured Nigerians that troops fighting terrorism and banditry across the North-West are receiving adequate welfare support, timely operational allowances and sustained logistical backing to enhance their effectiveness.
Speaking during an interactive session with defence correspondents at the headquarters of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Gusau, Zamfara State, on Thursday, Idris said the welfare of frontline personnel remains a top priority for the military high command.
“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.
The Theatre Commander explained that troops receive their Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) and other approved operational entitlements promptly, noting that delays in the payment of allowances have been eliminated.
“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.
According to him, the Armed Forces have also strengthened logistics support by ensuring the regular supply of food, potable water and other essential items to personnel deployed across the theatre.
He said troops operating in remote locations are adequately fed and equipped to enable them to remain focused on their 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,” Idris said.
The commander further disclosed that troops are supplied with Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs), particularly during prolonged combat operations and deep-forest missions where conventional feeding arrangements may not be practical.
According to him, the ready-to-eat meals have become an essential component of operational logistics, enabling personnel to sustain offensive operations without interruption.
Idris attributed the improvements in troop welfare to the support of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of the Air Staff and the Minister of Defence.
He said the military leadership remains committed to ensuring that frontline troops are not only adequately equipped but also properly motivated through improved welfare packages to sustain ongoing operations against terrorists and bandits in the North-West.
