Odita Sunday 
COAS Orders Troops to Intensify Offensive Against Bandits, Kidnappers in North Central
By Odita Sunday
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday charged troops of Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC) Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD (OPSS) to intensify ongoing offensives against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements threatening peace and security across the North Central region.
Lieutenant General Waidi gave the directive during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters of JTF North Central OPSS at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Kwara State, as troops continue clearance operations aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts in parts of Kwara and Niger states.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by APPOLONIA ANELE, Colonel and Acting Director Army Public Relations.
Addressing the troops, the Army Chief stressed that the Nigerian Army remained committed to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, noting that sustained operational momentum was critical to denying criminal elements the freedom to terrorise innocent citizens, infiltrate communities or undermine national security.
He assured the troops that the Army Headquarters was deploying the necessary combat enablers and operational resources to strengthen ongoing operations and support efforts to decisively rout criminal gangs operating within the joint operations area.
The COAS also reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of troops and their families, describing improved welfare as vital to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness on the frontline.
He urged the personnel to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North Central) Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Major General Y. Yahaya, commended the COAS for what he described as timely interventions, strategic leadership and sustained support towards improving the operational capacity of the Joint Task Force.
Major General Yahaya assured the Army Chief that troops under the operation would remain committed and steadfast in carrying out their mandate of restoring lasting peace and stability across the region.
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