The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has assured residents of Kwara and Niger states of the Nigerian Army’s determination to flush out terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements operating within the region.

Lt.-Gen. Shaibu gave the assurance while addressing troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, during his maiden operational visit to the theatre.

According to a statement issued by the Army spokesperson, Col. Apollonia Anele, the COAS charged troops to intensify ongoing operations and decisively defeat criminal elements threatening peace and security across the joint operations area.

He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, stressing that troops had sustained operational momentum aimed at denying criminals freedom of action.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in decisively denying criminal elements the freedom to terrorise innocent citizens, infiltrate communities, or undermine national security,” he said.

The Army Chief further assured troops that additional combat enablers and operational resources were being deployed to strengthen ongoing clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.

Shaibu also reiterated his commitment to the welfare of troops and their families, noting that improved welfare packages remained essential to boosting morale, operational efficiency and combat readiness.

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

Earlier, the? heatre Commander, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership, timely interventions and sustained support towards enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Joint Task Force.

Yahaya assured the Army Chief that troops of the operation would remain committed and steadfast in their mandate to restore lasting peace and stability in the affected communities.

Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD is one of the military’s ongoing efforts to curb the growing activities of bandits and terrorist groups operating around forest corridors and border communities in parts of North Central Nigeria. (The Nation)

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