COAS orders troops to intensify offensive against bandits, kidnappers

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of the Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield, to escalate their offensive operations against criminal elements in the region. This command was issued during Shaibu's maiden operational visit to the task force's headquarters at Sobi Barracks in Ilorin, Kwara State.

General Shaibu emphasized the Nigerian Army's unwavering commitment to its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property across the nation. He charged the troops to decisively route out kidnappers, bandits, and other insurgents threatening peace and security within the Joint Operations Area. The Army Chief stressed that sustained operational momentum is crucial to deny these criminal elements the freedom to terrorize citizens, infiltrate communities, or undermine national security.

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The COAS charged troops of the Joint Task Force North Central, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, to intensify ongoing operations aimed at decisively routing kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements threatening peace and security within the Joint Operations Area.

To bolster these efforts, Army Headquarters is deploying necessary combat enablers and operational resources. These resources are intended to strengthen ongoing clearance operations and dismantle hideouts used by criminals in Kwara and Niger states. General Shaibu also reiterated his commitment to improving troop welfare and that of their families, recognizing its importance for maintaining high morale, operational effectiveness, and combat readiness.

The Army Chief urged the troops to uphold discipline, professionalism, and loyalty to the Nigerian Constitution and the democratically elected government. Earlier, the Theatre Commander of Operation Savannah Shield, Major General Y. Yahaya, commended Lt.-Gen. Shaibu for his strategic leadership and support, assuring him of the troops' steadfast commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region.

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The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property. Troops have sustained operational momentum aimed at decisively denying criminal elements the freedom to terrorize innocent citizens, infiltrate communities, or undermine national security.