The Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to combat insecurity in the North Central region, with troops directed to sustain aggressive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other armed groups threatening peace in the area.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, gave the directive during his first operational visit to the Headquarters of Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, located at Sobi Barracks in Ilorin on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the army chief urged soldiers to dominate operational areas and maintain pressure on criminal elements to restrict their activities across the region.
Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that troops must remain proactive in denying criminal groups the freedom to operate.
He also assured personnel that additional combat equipment and operational support would continue to be provided to strengthen ongoing clearance missions and dismantle criminal hideouts, particularly in Kwara and Niger states.
The army chief further emphasised the importance of troop welfare, describing it as essential to maintaining morale, operational efficiency and combat readiness.
He encouraged officers and soldiers to remain disciplined, professional and committed to upholding the Constitution as well as supporting the country’s democratic institutions.
Earlier in his remarks, the Theatre Commander of JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, appreciated the COAS for his leadership and continued support for military operations in the region.
Yahaya assured that troops under the operation would remain dedicated to restoring peace, tackling insecurity and ensuring stability across the North Central zone.
Military authorities say the renewed operational drive is part of broader efforts to strengthen security and dismantle criminal networks troubling communities in the region.