COAS to Troops: Decisively Rout Bandits, Kidnappers in Kwara, Niger
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield, to intensify ongoing offensives and decisively rout bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and Niger states.
Shaibu gave the directive on Thursday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters of Joint Task Force North Central Operation Savannah Shield at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Kwara State.
The Army Chief said troops must sustain operational momentum to deny criminal elements the freedom to terrorise communities, infiltrate vulnerable areas or undermine national security within the North-Central region.
According to the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that ongoing operations remained focused on dismantling criminal hideouts and restoring peace in affected communities.
“Troops have sustained operational momentum aimed at decisively denying criminal elements the freedom to terrorise innocent citizens, infiltrate communities, or undermine national security,” Shaibu said.
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He assured personnel that the Army Headquarters was deploying the necessary combat enablers and operational resources to strengthen clearance operations and improve operational effectiveness across the theatre.
The COAS also reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of troops and their families, noting that improved welfare remained critical to maintaining morale, combat readiness and operational efficiency.
According to him, well-motivated troops are essential to sustaining gains against criminal groups threatening security in parts of the North-Central region.
Shaibu urged troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution as well as the democratically elected government while carrying out their responsibilities.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North Central Operation Savannah Shield, Maj.-Gen. Y. Yahaya, commended the Army Chief for his leadership and continued support toward strengthening the operational capacity of the force.
Yahaya assured the COAS that troops under the operation would remain committed to restoring lasting peace and stability across the Joint Operations Area.
Operation Savannah Shield is one of the military’s key security operations aimed at tackling kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across parts of the North-Central region, particularly Kwara and Niger states.
By PRNigeria
