The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops to sustain relentless, proactive and intelligence-driven operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements across the country.

Shaibu gave the directive on Friday while addressing troops of the Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps and the 33 Artillery Brigade at Shadawanka Barracks in Bauchi.

He charged the troops to maintain a high level of operational readiness and intensify efforts to decisively engage and neutralise criminal elements within their areas of responsibility, noting that their activities have continued to displace innocent citizens.

The Army Chief reiterated the Nigerian Army’s resolve to restore lasting peace and stability in affected communities, stressing that operational effectiveness and troop welfare remain central to achieving success in ongoing operations.

Reinforcing his command philosophy, Shaibu assured personnel that the Army would continue to provide the necessary operational enablers and logistics to support ongoing missions. He emphasised the need for professionalism, tactical efficiency and sustained operational pressure to deny criminal elements freedom of action and rebuild public confidence.

He also reaffirmed his 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 and enhance overall combat effectiveness.

Earlier, the COAS paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Dr Suleiman Rilwanu, where he commended the monarch’s support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.

He assured that ongoing military efforts are focused on eliminating banditry and other forms of criminality, while calling for sustained collaboration between security forces and host communities.