In Southern Kaduna, CDS Charges Troops to Redouble Efforts in Fighting Terrorism

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, has charged troops of the two National Mission Force Brigade to intensify efforts towards eliminating terrorism and other security threats within their Joint Operations Area (JOA) and across Southern Kaduna.

He also challenged them to continually develop innovative strategies that would keep them ahead of criminal elements operating within the region.

Oluyede gave the directive during an operational visit to the Brigade stationed in Samaru Kataf.

The visit, according to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, was aimed at assessing the combat readiness of the formation and identifying operational challenges confronting troops with a view to addressing them effectively.

Uba explained that the exercise was designed to strengthen ongoing military operations targeted at eliminating terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other criminal activities that had previously plagued the area before the establishment of the Brigade in 2024.

“This was tailored towards ensuring the total eradication of terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of criminality hitherto prevalent in the general area prior to the establishment of the Brigade in 2024,” Uba explained.

Addressing the troops, the CDS expressed satisfaction with their level of alertness and professionalism, while urging them to remain committed, disciplined and dedicated to their responsibilities.

“You must keep out-witting criminals by anticipating their actions and evolving effective counter measures. We will continue to support you with the necessary equipment, enablers, platforms and pay due attention to your welfare that will ensure your success,” the CDS said.

Earlier, the Commander of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, Captain O.J. Ekuma, highlighted several achievements recorded by the formation, including the neutralisation of criminals, recovery of weapons and rustled cattle, rescue of kidnapped victims, and the arrest of high-profile bandits and their collaborators.