The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has ordered troops of Operation Savannah Shield to intensify offensives against bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements terrorising parts of the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive on Thursday during his maiden operational visit to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield, at Sobi Barracks in Ilorin, Kwara State.
According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief charged troops to sustain ongoing operations aimed at flushing out criminals threatening peace and security in the region.
“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,” Shaibu said.
He assured the troops that Army Headquarters would continue to provide necessary combat equipment and operational support to strengthen clearance operations across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS also pledged improved welfare for soldiers and their families, stressing that troop welfare remained key to boosting morale and operational effectiveness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander of Operation Savannah Shield, Major General Y. Yahaya, commended the Army Chief for his support and strategic leadership.
Yahaya assured him that troops under the operation would remain committed to restoring peace and stability across the region.
