Army chief to troops: Go after kidnappers, criminals in South-West

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, to intensify operations and flush out bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals operating within its area of responsibility.

Shaibu gave the charge while addressing soldiers at Odugbo Barracks in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, during his maiden operational visit to the formation.

The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in a statement on Monday, quoted Shaibu as commending the troops for their resilience, professionalism, and operational effectiveness in tackling banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes, describing their efforts as reassuring to law-abiding citizens.

Shaibu said: “I have been fully briefed on your operations and the successes recorded so far.

“I commend you for your commitment and urge you to sustain the tempo.”

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The army chief directed the troops to take the fight to criminal hideouts, stressing that no location must be considered inaccessible.

Shaibu said: “Go after them in the bushes, forests, and wherever they are hiding.

“Ensure that we reduce these criminal activities to the barest minimum and restore safety across your area of responsibility.”

Shaibu reiterated that the protection of lives and property remained the core mandate of the Nigerian Army, assuring Nigerians that criminals would not be allowed any safe haven.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to troops’ welfare, announcing the approval of renovations and construction of additional accommodation within the barracks to ease housing pressure.

The army chief urged the troops to properly maintain existing facilities while remaining disciplined, professional, and mission-focused in the discharge of their duties.

The Star