COAS orders troops to intensify offensive against bandits, kidnappers in North Central

Crime Diary

ILORIN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of Joint Task Force North Central, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, to intensify ongoing military operations aimed at decisively crushing kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements operating within the North Central region.

The Army Chief gave the directive on Thursday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters of Joint Task Force North Central, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, at Sobi Barracks in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Shaibu charged the troops to sustain aggressive clearance operations against criminal groups threatening peace and security across the Joint Operations Area.

According to him, the Nigerian Army remains committed to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property across the country.

In a statement signed by Appolonia Anele, Colonel, Acting Director Army Public Relations, the COAS stressed that troops had already sustained operational momentum aimed at denying criminal elements the freedom to terrorise innocent citizens, infiltrate communities, and undermine national security.

He assured the troops that the military high command was deploying additional combat enablers and operational resources to strengthen ongoing operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property,” Shaibu stated.

He further reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of soldiers and their families, noting that troop welfare remains essential to maintaining morale, operational effectiveness, and combat readiness.

The Army Chief urged personnel to remain disciplined, professional, and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.

Earlier, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North Central, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Y. Yahaya, appreciated the COAS for his strategic leadership and continued support toward enhancing the operational capabilities of the task force.

Yahaya assured the Army Chief that troops under the operation would remain committed and professional in carrying out their mandate of restoring lasting peace and stability within the region.

Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD is one of the military operations established to combat insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes affecting parts of North Central Nigeria.

The region has continued to witness security challenges linked to armed banditry, kidnappings for ransom, and attacks on rural communities, particularly in parts of Niger, Kwara, and neighbouring states.