“No Hiding Place”: Army Chief Vows Relentless Offensive Against Terrorists in Nigeria

By Muhammad Mamman

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has declared that terrorists and violent extremists will find “no sanctuary” anywhere in the country, reaffirming the military’s resolve to intensify operations against armed groups threatening national security.

Speaking during an operational briefing with senior commanders, Lieutenant General Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would sustain aggressive, intelligence-driven campaigns aimed at dismantling insurgent networks and restoring stability across affected regions.

“We will deny terrorists freedom of action and eliminate every safe haven,” he said, stressing that troops had been directed to maintain high operational tempo and deepen coordination with other security agencies.

Nigeria has grappled for more than a decade with armed groups operating in the North East and other parts of the country. While military offensives have reclaimed territories previously under insurgent control, sporadic attacks, abductions and raids on rural communities persist.

Shaibu noted that the army is strengthening surveillance capabilities, improving troop welfare, and enhancing joint operations with the Air Force and other security formations to achieve what he described as “a decisive and enduring victory.”

Security analysts say the renewed warning underscores the government’s determination to consolidate recent gains while addressing emerging threats posed by banditry and violent extremism.

The army chief also called on citizens to support ongoing operations by providing credible intelligence, adding that national security is a collective responsibility.

Authorities maintain that efforts to stabilise troubled regions will continue alongside broader measures aimed at improving governance and economic opportunities — steps officials say are critical to tackling the root causes of extremism.