Chief of Army Staff, Mr Tukur Buratai, a lieutenant general, on Monday promised to remain in Katsina State until bandits are rooted out.

He told Governor Aminu Masari that he would not leave “until the bandits terrorising the state are defeated”.

Buratai, who arrived two days ago, said this year’s Army Day celebration, earlier scheduled to hold in Plateau State, will hold next month in Faskari, Katsina State.

The army chief said the deteriorating security situation was of serious concern to President Muhammadu Buhari, who he said had directed that appropriate steps be taken to neutralise the marauders.

He explained that the new Operation Sahel Sanity was part of efforts to address the challenges.

Masari stressed that it required superior firepower to defeat the bandits.

The governor said military operations would not be successful without the people’s support.

“There are those in the communities that supply the bandits with information and supplies. They are equally guilty and are our enemies.

“It is not enough to continue to accuse the government and the military, but the people have a role to play because security is a collective responsibility.

“The blame game must end to defeat these bandits once and for all,” he said.

The Nation