The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of the Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield, to intensify ongoing operations against kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal groups operating across the region.
Shaibu issued the directive on Thursday during his maiden operational visit to Sobi Barracks in Ilorin, Kwara State, where he addressed personnel at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield.
The directive was contained in a statement released on Thursday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the Army Chief reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remains fully committed to its constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property nationwide.
“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.
COAS Reaffirms Support for Ongoing Military Operations in North Central
He further noted that troops have maintained strong operational momentum aimed at denying criminal elements the opportunity to terrorise civilians, infiltrate communities, or undermine national security.
“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.
Shaibu also assured that Army Headquarters is providing the necessary combat support and operational resources required to enhance ongoing clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger States.
In addition, he reiterated his commitment to the welfare of troops and their families, stressing that improved welfare remains essential for sustaining morale, operational effectiveness, and combat readiness.
The Army Chief urged personnel to remain disciplined, professional, and fully loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield, Major General Y. Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and consistent support in strengthening the task force’s operational capacity.
Yahaya also assured the Army Chief that troops under the operation remain committed and resolute in executing their mandate of restoring peace and stability across the North Central region.
