The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of the Nigerian Army to intensify sustained, proactive, and intelligence-led operations against terrorists and other criminal elements across the country.
He gave the directive on Friday, March 27, 2026, while addressing personnel of the Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps and the 33 Artillery Brigade at Shadawanka Barracks in Bauchi. The Army Chief stressed that operational effectiveness, combined with improved troop welfare, remains central to the military’s efforts to tackle insecurity.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged troops to maintain a high level of combat readiness and step up efforts to decisively confront and neutralise terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups within their areas of responsibility. He noted that the persistent activities of these elements have continued to displace innocent civilians, reiterating the Army’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in affected communities.
Reinforcing his command philosophy, the COAS assured personnel that the Nigerian Army would continue to provide the necessary logistics, equipment, and operational support required to prosecute ongoing missions effectively. He emphasised the importance of professionalism, discipline, and tactical efficiency in sustaining pressure on criminal elements and denying them freedom of operation.
He further reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of troops and their families, noting that a well-motivated and adequately supported force is critical to achieving operational success. According to him, deliberate efforts will continue to be implemented to boost morale, improve working conditions, and enhance overall combat effectiveness.
Earlier, the Army Chief paid a courtesy visit to 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 also called for sustained cooperation between the military and host communities, assuring that ongoing operations are focused on eliminating banditry and all forms of criminality across the region.