COAS to Troops: Be Ruthless to Persons, Groups Threatening Nigeria’s Peace, Stability

• Defence minister urges CDS, service chiefs to devise new strategies to eradicate terrorism

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke to take decisive action against any person or group threatening peace and stability in Nigeria, regardless of their status, influence, or affiliation.

Shaibu urged the troops to remain relentless in maintaining pressure on all elements involved in violence and criminality, warning that no individual or organisation wouldbe allowed to jeopardise national security for selfish or nefarious purposes.

While stressing the need for firmness, he commended the troops for their resilience, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment in restoring security to affected communities.

Their efforts, he noted, have facilitated the gradual return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

According to Colonel Apollonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the COAS delivered the commendation during an address to troops at the 401 Special Forces Brigade in Makurdi.

He highlighted that the soldiers’ perseverance in the face of persistent threats has not only weakened criminal networks but also created the secure environment necessary for socio-economic activities to resume.

The safe return of internally displaced persons, he added, was a testament to the operational effectiveness and unwavering resolve of the troops.

Emphasising the strategic role of Operation Whirl Stroke within Nigeria’s broader security framework, Shaibu stressed the importance of consolidating recent gains through intelligence-driven operations, improved inter-agency coordination, and sustained community engagement.

He underlined that operational success must be accompanied by professionalism, discipline, and strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement in line with international best practices.

Musa Urges CDS, Service Chiefs to Devise New Strategies to Eradicate Terrorism

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has called on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Service Chiefs to intensify efforts and devise new, actionable strategies to eradicate terrorism, insurgency, and banditry across Nigeria.

Musa made the appeal while presiding over the inaugural edition of the Monthly Operational Briefing at the Ministry of Defence Conference Room in Abuja.

The briefing was designed to provide a platform for assessing ongoing operations, identifying emerging threats, and charting strategic interventions.

In a statement, Colonel Timothy Antigha (Rtd), Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, noted that General Musa highlighted a range of threats to national security, stressing the urgency of adopting innovative approaches to address them effectively.

During the briefing, the minister commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their professionalism, resilience, and gallantry in tackling security challenges.

He also reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to supporting troop welfare and enhancing the operational efficiency of the military.

Addressing public concerns about the presence of US AFRICOM in Nigeria, Musa reassured them that American forces were in the country solely in a training, advisory, and assistance capacity.

He emphasised that the Nigerian Armed Forces remainedfully in command of all operations within the nation’s territory.