Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield, to intensify military offensives against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups operating across the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive on Thursday during his maiden operational visit to the headquarters of Operation Savannah Shield at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, where he reviewed ongoing security operations and addressed troops.
According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief said troops must sustain pressure on criminal elements and prevent them from threatening communities within the operational area.
“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,” the statement partly read.
Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that ongoing operations were aimed at denying criminal gangs freedom of movement and operational space.
“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 terrorise innocent citizens, infiltrate communities, or undermine national security,” he said.
The Army Chief also assured troops that Army Headquarters would continue providing operational support and combat resources needed to strengthen clearance operations across Kwara and Niger states.
He further reiterated his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained essential for maintaining morale, operational efficiency and combat readiness.
Shaibu also urged troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield, Major General Y. Yahaya, commended the COAS for his continued support and strategic leadership.
Yahaya assured the Army Chief that troops under the operation would remain committed to restoring peace and stability across the region.
