Army Chief Orders Troops to Crush Terrorists, Bandits in Kwara, Neighbouring States

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed the Joint Task Force North Central (JTF‑NC) under Operation Savannah Shield to eliminate terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal actors in Kwara State and neighbouring states.

He also instructed the troops to intensify current operations aimed at decisively removing criminal elements that threaten peace and security within the Joint Operations Area.

According to Acting Director of Army Public Relations Colonel Apollonia Anele, the COAS issued the directive while addressing soldiers at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, during his first operational visit to the headquarters of JTF‑NC Operation Savannah Shield in Kwara State.

During the address, Lieutenant General Waidi emphasized that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its constitutional duty to protect lives and property across the country.

He noted that troops have maintained operational momentum to deny criminal elements the freedom to terrorise innocent citizens, infiltrate communities, or undermine national security.

He further assured the troops that necessary combat enablers and operational resources are being deployed to reinforce ongoing clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts in Kwara and Niger States.

The COAS also reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of soldiers and their families, describing improved welfare as essential to sustaining high morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.

He urged personnel to remain disciplined, professional and unwaveringly loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the democratically elected government.

Earlier, Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force (North Central) Operation Savannah Shield, Major General Y. Yahaya, thanked the COAS for his timely interventions, strategic leadership and continued support in enhancing the operational capacity of the Joint Task Force.

He assured the COAS that the operation’s troops would remain committed, professional and steadfast in carrying out their mandate to restore lasting peace and stability in the region.