The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops under the Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield, to intensify military operations against kidnappers, bandits and other armed groups operating in the region.
He issued the directive on Thursday, May 28, during his first operational visit to Sobi Barracks in Ilorin, Kwara State, where he met with personnel at the headquarters of the task force.
The visit was confirmed in a statement released by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army remains fully committed to its constitutional duty of defending citizens and safeguarding national security, stressing the need for sustained pressure on criminal elements.
“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 stated.
He added that troops must maintain operational momentum to prevent criminals from regrouping, infiltrating communities or carrying out attacks on civilians.
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“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 that additional combat equipment and operational support were being deployed from Army Headquarters to strengthen ongoing clearance missions across Kwara and Niger States.
He emphasised that the welfare of soldiers and their families remained a priority, noting that morale and effectiveness depend on adequate support systems.
Shaibu further urged troops to uphold discipline, professionalism and loyalty to the Constitution and the Federal Government as operations continue.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander of Operation Savannah Shield, Major General Y. Yahaya, praised the Army Chief’s visit, describing it as a morale booster for troops on the frontline.
He assured that personnel under the operation would remain committed to restoring peace and stability across the North Central region through sustained and coordinated military action.