Army Chief Orders Fresh Crackdown on Bandits and Kidnappers in Kwara

Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops under Joint Task Force North Central operating under the codename Operation Savannah Shield to step up their efforts against terrorist groups, bandits, and kidnappers in Kwara State and its neighbouring states.

The directive was issued during his first official visit to the task force's headquarters at Sobi Barracks in Ilorin.

Speaking through Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the Army Chief urged troops to maintain pressure on criminal elements that continue to destabilize peace in the region, reaffirming the Nigerian Army's broader commitment to safeguarding lives and property nationwide.

Shaibu also promised that additional operational support and combat equipment would be deployed to boost clearance operations across Kwara and Niger states.

He further emphasized the need for discipline and professionalism within the ranks, while making clear that the welfare of troops remains a priority noting that better welfare directly strengthens morale and battlefield effectiveness.

In response, the Theatre Commander of Operation Savannah Shield, Major General Y. Yahaya, expressed gratitude for the Army Chief's continued backing and pledged that troops under his command would remain resolute in their mission to restore lasting peace to the region.