Army Chief orders crackdown on criminals as troops intensify operations across Oyo and the 2 Division area of responsibility
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Monday directed troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division to intensify offensive operations and decisively flush out criminal elements operating within their area of responsibility.
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Lieutenant General Shaibu issued the directive during his maiden operational visit to the 2 Division headquarters at Odugbo Barracks, Ibadan, Oyo State, where he assessed ongoing security operations and troop readiness.
The Army Chief commended officers and soldiers for their resilience, professionalism and operational effectiveness in tackling banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the region.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said he had received comprehensive briefings on the division’s operations and expressed satisfaction with the notable successes recorded so far.
He urged the troops to sustain the momentum and pursue criminals relentlessly across all terrains, including forests, bushes and known hideouts, until insecurity is reduced to the barest minimum.
The Army Chief also reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, announcing that approvals had been granted for the renovation of existing accommodation blocks and the construction of new residential facilities within the barracks.
He stressed that improved welfare and morale remain critical to operational success and advised personnel to ensure proper maintenance of all facilities to sustain a conducive living and working environment.
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The visit highlights the Nigerian Army leadership’s renewed focus on decisive operations against criminality, while prioritising the welfare of troops deployed in challenging security conditions.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
