Army chief orders intensified offensive against bandits, kidnappers in North Central

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of the Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield, to step up ongoing offensives against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements operating in the region.

Shaibu gave the directive on Thursday during his maiden operational visit to the task force headquarters at Sobi Barracks in Ilorin, Kwara State.

In a statement released by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief said the Nigerian Army remains committed to its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property across the country.

He stated that troops have sustained operational momentum aimed at denying criminals the freedom to terrorise innocent citizens or undermine national security.

The COAS assured soldiers that the Army Headquarters is deploying necessary combat resources and operational enablers to strengthen clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts in Kwara and Niger states.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of troops and their families, noting that improved welfare is critical to maintaining morale and combat readiness. He urged troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution.

Earlier, the Theatre Commander of Operation Savannah Shield, Major General Y. Yahaya, commended the Army Chief for his strategic leadership and assured him that troops would remain steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.