Military personnel deployed to Katsina State, saddled with the task of fighting bandits in Zamfara, should be diligent in carrying out their assignment.

The Federal Government had, last month assembled military personnel, comprising the army, air force, Police and the civil defence to help in tackling the bandits.

President Muhammadu Buhari gave the challenge when he addressed the one thousand-strong military force assembled to check the menace of the bandits and other criminal elements at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport Katsina.

Buhari who expressed satisfaction with the way and manner the soldiers were carrying out their assignment, said Nigerians deserved some peace.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed fighter aircraft to Katsina, the airport with the closest proximity to Zamfara, to allow for immediate and effective response to the menace of the bandits.

The president had also authorised the engagement by NAF, of advanced satellite surveillance technology to help in accurate detection of movement and locations of the bandits.

The bandits had been terrorising innocent rural dwellers, razing down several villages and towns across the local government areas of Zamfara, and also kidnapping for ransom.

President Buhari, who expressed satisfaction with the way and manner the soldiers were carrying out their assignment, said that Nigerians deserved some peace.

‘‘I commend you for the job you have been doing so far and I assure you that I will continue to be a worthy Commander-in-Chief,’’ he said.

The president, who donated five bulls to the military personnel, departed for Abuja after the Sallah break in his country home, Daura.

Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State and other government dignitaries were at the airport to wish the president safe trip back to Abuja.

While in Daura, the president had received seven APC governors, many members of the National Assembly including Sen. Shehu Sani as well as cabinet ministers, who paid him Sallah homage.

President Buhari also used the opportunity to hold various family meetings with relatives.