Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has directed troops of Joint Task Force North Central Operation Savannah Shield to intensify coordinated offensives against kidnappers, bandits and other armed criminal groups operating across parts of Kwara, Niger and neighbouring states in the North Central region.
- +Army Chief orders fresh offensive against Bandits, kidnappers in North Central
The directive comes amid renewed security concerns in parts of North Central Nigeria, where communities in Kwara, Niger and Kogi states have witnessed rising cases of kidnappings, attacks on rural settlements and highway robberies in recent months, heightening fears among residents and travellers.
The directive comes amid renewed security concerns in parts of North Central Nigeria, where communities in Kwara, Niger and Kogi states have witnessed rising cases of kidnappings, attacks on rural settlements and highway robberies in recent months, heightening fears among residents and travellers.
Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the Army Chief gave the charge during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters of Joint Task Force North Central Operation Savannah Shield at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Kwara State.
According to Anele, Lieutenant General Shaibu urged troops to sustain aggressive operations aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and denying armed groups freedom of movement within the joint operations area.
The COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that troops must maintain operational momentum to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating communities or undermining national security.
He assured the troops that additional combat enablers and operational resources were being deployed to strengthen ongoing clearance operations across Kwara and Niger states.
The Army Chief also pledged continued attention to the welfare of officers and soldiers, describing troop welfare as critical to maintaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He further charged personnel to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
The visit comes against the backdrop of increasing military operations in the North Central corridor following repeated security breaches linked to armed gangs operating around forested and border communities connecting Kwara, Niger and Kogi states.
In recent months, security agencies have intensified coordinated offensives in the region following growing concerns over the activities of kidnappers targeting highways and remote settlements.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North Central Operation Savannah Shield, Y. Yahaya, a Major General, commended the COAS for what he described as timely interventions and sustained support towards boosting the operational capacity of the task force.
Yahaya assured the Army Chief that troops under the operation would remain committed to restoring lasting peace and stability across the region.
