COAS urges troops to decisively defeat terrorists and criminals in Kwara and Niger.

By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA — Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), directed the troops of Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield (OPSS), to intensify their efforts to decisively eliminate kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements that threaten peace and security in Kwara and Niger states.

The COAS issued the directive on Thursday during his first operational visit to the Headquarters of JTF North Central, OPSS, located at Sobi Barracks in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Lieutenant General Shaibu underscored the Nigerian Army’s ongoing commitment to its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property throughout the country.

A statement from the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, relayed the Army Chief’s message that troops should maintain operational momentum against criminal elements operating in the region.

According to the statement, the COAS emphasized that soldiers must keep “sustained operational momentum aimed at decisively denying criminal elements the freedom to terrorise innocent citizens, infiltrate communities, or undermine national security.”

He assured troops that the Army would provide the necessary combat enablers and operational resources to strengthen ongoing clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts in Kwara and Niger states.

The Army Chief also reaffirmed his dedication to the welfare of soldiers and their families, noting that improved welfare is essential for maintaining high morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.

He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the democratically elected government.

Earlier, Theatre Commander of Operation Savannah Shield, Major General Y. Yahaya, praised the COAS for his strategic leadership, timely interventions and sustained support in enhancing the operational capacity of the Joint Task Force.

Yahaya assured the Army Chief that the operation’s troops would stay committed, professional and steadfast in fulfilling their mandate to restore lasting peace and stability in the North‑Central region.

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