The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered troops of the Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), under *Operation Savannah Shield*, to intensify their offensive and decisively rout kidnappers and bandits operating within the region.
The Army Chief gave the charge on Thursday during his maiden operational visit to the JTF North Central Headquarters at Sobi Barracks in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Addressing the troops, Lt. Gen. Shaibu emphasized that the Nigerian Army remains resolute in its constitutional duty to protect lives and property. He noted that the ongoing momentum is designed to deny criminal elements the freedom to terrorize innocent citizens or infiltrate communities in Kwara and Niger States.
To bolster these efforts, the COAS announced the deployment of additional combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across the Joint Operations Area.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to decisively deny criminal elements the freedom to undermine national security,” the COAS stated. He also reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of personnel, noting that high morale is essential for operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He further urged the troops to maintain the highest levels of discipline and professionalism, stressing the importance of unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier in his remarks, the Theatre Commander of *Operation Savannah Shield*, Major General Y. Yahaya, thanked the COAS for his strategic leadership and the provision of necessary resources. He assured the Army Chief that the JTF remains committed to its mandate of restoring enduring peace and stability to the North Central region.
