Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday, 28 May 2026, charged troops of Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC) Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD (OPSS) to intensify ongoing operations aimed at decisively routing kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements threatening peace and security within the Joint Operations Area.
The COAS gave the charge while addressing troops at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, JTF North Central OPSS, in Kwara State.
This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Lieutenant General Waidi according to the statement emphasized that the Nigerian Army remains resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops have sustained operational momentum aimed at decisively denying criminal elements the freedom to terrorize innocent citizens, infiltrate communities, or undermine national security.
He assured the troops that requisite combat enablers and operational resources are being deployed to enhance ongoing clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger States.
The Army Chief further reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of troops and their families, noting that improved welfare remains critical to sustaining high morale, operational effectiveness, and combat readiness. He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional, and unwaveringly loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North Central) Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Major General Y. Yahaya, expressed appreciation to the COAS for his timely interventions, strategic leadership, and sustained support towards enhancing the operational capacity of the Joint Task Force.
He assured the COAS 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.