The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of the Operation Savannah Shield to dominate the battle space and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminals in the North Central region.

Mr Shaibu gave the directive on Thursday during his maiden operational visit to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC) at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.

Appolonia Anele, acting director of army public relations, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and properties, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminals freedom of action. 

He assured personnel of the continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.

The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.

He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the constitution and the democratically elected government.

Earlier, the theatre commander, JTF-NC Operation Savannah Shield, Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.

Mr Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region. 

(NAN)