COAS orders fresh crackdown on bandits, kidnappers in North central

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC) Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD (OPSS) to intensify ongoing operations against kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements threatening peace and security in the North Central region.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, on the Nigerian Army’s official X handle.

According to the statement, the COAS gave the charge while addressing troops at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters of JTF North Central Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Kwara State.

Lieutenant General Waidi reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property across the country. He noted that troops have continued to sustain operational momentum aimed at denying criminal elements the freedom to terrorise innocent citizens, infiltrate communities, or undermine national security.

The Army Chief assured the troops that the military high command was deploying the necessary combat enablers and operational resources to strengthen ongoing clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.

He also reiterated his commitment to the welfare of officers, soldiers, and their families, stressing that improved welfare remained essential for maintaining high morale, operational effectiveness, and combat readiness.

The COAS further urged troops to remain disciplined, professional, and loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as the democratically elected government.

Earlier in his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North Central) Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Major General Y. Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership, timely interventions, and sustained support towards boosting the operational capacity of the Joint Task Force.

Major General Yahaya assured the Army Chief that troops under the operation would remain committed, professional, and resolute in carrying out their mandate of restoring lasting peace and stability across the North Central region.