By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops to sustain relentless, proactive and intelligence-driven operations against terrorists and other criminal elements across the country.

This is contained in a statement on Friday in Abuja, by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.

Shaibu gave the directive while addressing troops of the Headquarters, Nigerian Army Armour Corps and 33 Artillery Brigade at Shadawanka Barracks in Bauchi.

He charged troops to maintain a high level of operational readiness and intensify efforts to decisively engage terrorists, bandits and kidnappers within their areas of responsibility.

He noted that the persistent activities of criminal groups, had continued to displace innocent citizens, adding that the Nigerian Army had resolved to restore peace and stability in affected communities.

He emphasised that operational effectiveness and troops welfare remained central to the army’s success in tackling insecurity nationwide.

According to him, the army will continue to provide the necessary logistics and operational enablers required to prosecute ongoing operations effectively.

The COAS also underscored the need for professionalism, tactical efficiency and sustained pressure on criminal elements to deny them freedom of action and restore public confidence.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of troops and their families, noting that a motivated and well-supported force was critical to achieving operational successes.

The army chief assured personnel that deliberate measures would continue to be implemented to boost morale, enhance efficiency and improve overall combat effectiveness.

Earlier, the COAS paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Suleiman Rilwanu Adamu, where he commended the traditional ruler’s support for the military and other security agencies.

He also called for sustained collaboration between the military and host communities, assuring that efforts were ongoing to eliminate banditry and other forms of criminality.

Shaibu reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while sustaining operations to address evolving security challenges across the country. (NAN)