The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division to step up offensive operations and ensure the complete elimination of criminal elements within their Area of Responsibility.

Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the charge on Monday, December 22, 2025, while addressing officers and soldiers at Odugbo Barracks, Ibadan, during his maiden operational visit to the Division. He praised the troops for their courage, professionalism and steady gains recorded in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other security threats in the area.

According to the Army Chief, briefings received at Army Headquarters indicated that troops of 2 Division have continued to demonstrate operational effectiveness despite challenging conditions. He urged them to maintain the tempo of operations and deny criminals any safe haven.

“I am impressed by the level of commitment and the successes achieved so far,” he said. “You must sustain the pressure and pursue kidnappers and other criminals relentlessly, whether they are hiding in forests, bushes or any other locations, until their activities are brought to the barest minimum.”

The COAS reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to personnel welfare, revealing that approvals have been secured for the renovation of existing barracks accommodation as well as the construction of additional residential facilities. He stressed that improved welfare and morale are essential to sustaining combat efficiency and operational success.

Lieutenant General Shaibu also encouraged troops to take responsibility for the proper maintenance of existing facilities to ensure a conducive environment for both living and operations.

The visit, he noted, reflects the Nigerian Army’s determination to consolidate recent security gains and strengthen its capacity to protect lives and property across the 2 Division Area of Responsibility.