Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
Amid renewed concerns over terrorism, kidnapping and banditry in parts of Northern Nigeria, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed troops of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade in Southern Kaduna to intensify military offensives and sustain pressure on criminal elements operating within the region.
General Oluyede gave the charge during an operational visit to the Brigade headquarters in Samaru Kataf, Kaduna State, where he assessed the combat readiness of troops and reviewed operational challenges confronting the formation. The directive was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
The CDS said the Armed Forces would continue to support troops with improved welfare, operational equipment and strategic enablers to ensure the complete eradication of terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other violent crimes within the Brigade’s Joint Operations Area and across Southern Kaduna.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and alertness, Oluyede urged them to remain proactive and innovative in tackling emerging security threats.
“You must keep outwitting criminals by anticipating their actions and evolving effective countermeasures. We will continue to support you with the necessary equipment, platforms and welfare packages that will ensure your success,” he told the troops.
The Brigade, established in 2024 to strengthen security operations in the region, has reportedly recorded major operational successes against criminal networks.
Earlier, the Commander of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, Capt. (NN) O.J. Ekuma, briefed the CDS on the formation’s achievements, including the neutralisation of several criminals, recovery of weapons and rustled cattle, rescue of kidnapped victims, and arrest of notorious bandits and their collaborators.
Ekuma also noted that sustained military operations had significantly disrupted the movement of bandits and other criminal groups within the Brigade’s operational corridor, leading to improved security across affected communities.
As part of the operational appraisal, the CDS inspected ongoing Defence Headquarters projects and military deployments in the area. He also directed the immediate provision of critical operational equipment and platforms identified as inadequate within the Brigade.
The visit, which was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General J.H. Abdussalam; the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General E.F. Oyinlola; and other senior military officers, highlighted the Armed Forces’ commitment to strengthening troop welfare, closing operational gaps and enhancing military efficiency in the fight against insecurity.
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