RismadarVoice Reporters, May 28, 2026
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of Joint Task Force North Central Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to intensify ongoing operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements operating within the North Central region.
Speaking during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, on Thursday, the Army Chief urged the troops to decisively deny criminal groups freedom of operation across affected communities.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the Nigerian Army remained committed to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, stressing that sustained military pressure was necessary to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating communities and undermining national security.
He disclosed that additional combat enablers and operational resources were being deployed to support ongoing clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts in parts of Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS also reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of troops and their families, describing welfare as essential to maintaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged personnel of the operation to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North Central Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Major General Y. Yahaya, commended the Army Chief for his strategic leadership and continued support towards strengthening the operational capacity of the task force.
Major General Yahaya assured the COAS that troops under the operation would remain committed to restoring peace and stability across the region.
Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD is part of ongoing military efforts aimed at combating insecurity and criminal activities in the North Central zone.
