By Augustine Ehikioya
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops to sustain relentless, proactive, and intelligence-driven operations against terrorists and other criminal elements.
He emphasised that operational effectiveness and troop welfare remain critical to the Nigerian Army’s success in combating insecurity.
The Army Chief gave the directive on Friday, 27 March, 2026, while addressing troops of the Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps and 33 Artillery Brigade at Shadawanka Barracks, Bauchi.
The COAS, in a statement by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), also charged troops to maintain a high level of operational readiness and intensify efforts to decisively engage and neutralise terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements within their areas of responsibility.
He noted that the continued activities of these groups have led to the displacement of innocent citizens, reiterating the Army’s resolve to restore lasting peace and stability across affected communities.
Reinforcing his command philosophy, Lieutenant General Shaibu assured personnel that the Nigerian Army will continue to provide the necessary operational enablers and logistics required to effectively prosecute ongoing operations.
He stressed the need for professionalism, tactical efficiency, and sustained operational pressure to deny criminal elements freedom of action and restore public confidence.
The COAS also reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the welfare of troops and their families, noting that a motivated and well-supported force is essential for operational success.
He assured that deliberate measures will continue to be implemented to boost morale, enhance efficiency, and improve overall combat effectiveness.
Earlier, the COAS paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Dr Suleiman Rilwanu, where he commended the Emir’s continued support to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
He further assured that ongoing efforts are focused on eliminating banditry and all forms of criminality, while calling for sustained collaboration between the military and host communities.
