By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of the Nigerian Army to sustain relentless, proactive and intelligence-driven operations against terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.
The directive was issued on Friday, March 27, 2026, when the Army Chief addressed troops of the Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps and the 33 Artillery Brigade at Shadawanka Barracks in Bauchi.
According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS charged troops to maintain a high level of operational readiness and intensify efforts aimed at decisively engaging and neutralising terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements operating within their areas of responsibility.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu noted that the continued activities of these groups have led to the displacement of innocent citizens in several communities, stressing that the Nigerian Army remains resolute in its commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in affected areas across the country.
Reinforcing his command philosophy, the Army Chief assured personnel that the Nigerian Army would continue to provide the operational enablers and logistics necessary for the effective prosecution of ongoing operations. He emphasised the importance of professionalism, tactical efficiency and sustained operational pressure in denying criminal elements freedom of action and rebuilding public confidence in security efforts.
The COAS further reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of troops and their families, noting that a motivated and well-supported force is crucial to achieving operational success on the battlefield. He assured that deliberate measures would continue to be implemented to boost morale, enhance efficiency and improve the overall combat effectiveness of the force.
Earlier during his visit to the state, Lt. Gen. Shaibu paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Bauchi, Suleiman Rilwanu, where he commended the traditional ruler for his continued support to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies working to maintain peace and stability.
He also reassured the Emir that ongoing military operations are focused on eliminating banditry and other forms of criminality in the region, while calling for sustained collaboration between the military and host communities in the collective effort to secure lives and property.
