By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC) Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD (OPSS) to intensify ongoing military operations aimed at decisively routing kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements threatening peace and security across the North Central region.
According to an official signed statement by Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS gave the directive on Thursday, 28 May 2026, while addressing troops at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters of JTF North Central Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Kwara State.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain operational momentum to deny criminal elements the freedom to terrorize innocent citizens, infiltrate communities, or undermine national security.
The Army Chief assured troops that the Nigerian Army was deploying requisite combat enablers and operational resources to strengthen ongoing clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger States.
He also reiterated his commitment to the welfare of troops and their families, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining high morale, operational effectiveness, and combat readiness. The COAS urged personnel to remain disciplined, professional, and unwaveringly loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the democratically elected government.
Earlier in his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North Central) Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Major General Y. Yahaya, expressed appreciation to the COAS for his strategic leadership, timely interventions, and sustained support towards enhancing the operational capacity of the Joint Task Force.
Major General Yahaya assured the Army Chief that troops of the operation would remain committed, professional, and steadfast in the discharge of their mandate to restore enduring peace and stability within the region.
