The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of the Nigerian Army to sustain relentless, proactive and intelligence-driven operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements across the country.
The directive was given on Friday, March 27, 2026, during his address to troops at the Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps and 33 Artillery Brigade, Shadawanka Barracks, Bauchi.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS emphasized that operational effectiveness and troop welfare remain central to the Nigerian Army’s success in tackling insecurity.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged troops to maintain a high level of operational readiness and intensify efforts to decisively engage and neutralise criminal elements within their areas of responsibility.
He noted that the persistent activities of terrorists and other armed groups have continued to displace innocent citizens, stressing the Nigerian Army’s determination to restore lasting peace and stability in affected communities.
Reinforcing his command philosophy, the Army Chief assured personnel that the Nigerian Army would continue to provide the necessary operational enablers and logistics required to effectively prosecute ongoing operations.
He also stressed the importance of professionalism, tactical efficiency and sustained operational pressure, saying these remain vital to denying criminal elements freedom of action and rebuilding public confidence in security operations.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the welfare of troops and their families, noting that a motivated and well-supported force is critical to operational success.
According to him, deliberate measures will continue to be implemented to boost morale, enhance efficiency and improve overall combat effectiveness across formations and units.
Earlier in the visit, the COAS paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Dr. Suleiman Rilwanu, where he commended the traditional ruler for his continued support to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
He assured the Emir that ongoing military efforts are focused on eliminating banditry and all forms of criminality, while also calling for sustained collaboration between the military and host communities in the fight against insecurity.
The visit forms part of the COAS’s continued operational engagements aimed at strengthening troop morale, improving readiness and reinforcing civil-military cooperation in the ongoing campaign against insecurity nationwide.
