Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed officers and men of the 248 Recce Battalion in Illela, Sokoto State, to relentlessly pursue terrorists and bandits “to hell,” promising additional gun trucks and operational equipment to strengthen their combat capacity.

Addressing the battalion during a weekend operational visit, Waidi emphasised that the welfare of troops is a top priority, essential for effective performance.

“We will not compromise your welfare as a morale booster for your operational successes,” he said, commending the soldiers’ resilience in the harsh operational environment.

The CoAS, accompanied by the GOC 8 Division, Sokoto, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, and the Theatre Commander OPFY, Major General Idris Warrah, among other senior military officials, assured that the army would exhaust every effort to uphold its operational responsibilities against the nation’s enemies.

“We will support you and make your stay here comfortable. Remember that Rome was not built in a day and you must show sacrifice, dedication and discipline with resilience against threats by the enemies.

“Above all, be proud of been part of the pioneer set to establish this battalion and urge the young Lieutenant leaders of the battalion to responsively design a training programme that would properly launch you to the battle field and enhance the structural linkage that defines your operations through professional briefings as soldiers with listening ears to your officers,” he added, stressing that the 2iCs must not fail to drive the course of action that reflects military core values of respect, discipline and loyalty.

“We will also fix and ensure repairs of existing vehicles to be braced by additional duty trucks for enhanced operational capacity,” he assured. (The Nation)