The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops in the North-East to sustain offensive operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, assuring them of improved welfare.
Shaibu gave the charge on Saturday while addressing officers and soldiers of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, at the 212 Tank Battalion Parade Ground, Maiduguri.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
Shaibu commended the troops for their courage, sacrifices and sustained offensive operations, which he said had degraded terrorist capabilities and contributed to improved security in the region.
He urged them to consolidate their gains, remain vigilant and intensify efforts towards defeating terrorism in the North-East.
The Army Chief stressed that discipline, combat readiness and professionalism remained critical to operational success.
“The nation is proud of you and looks up to you for the final defeat of terrorism,” he told the troops.
Reaffirming his “Soldier First philosophy”, Shaibu assured personnel of sustained attention to their welfare, including modern combat equipment, improved accommodation, adequate medical support and timely troop rotation.
Earlier, the COAS received an operational briefing from the Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, and sector commanders.
The briefing covered the security situation, operational successes, emerging challenges and strategies for sustaining pressure on terrorist groups across the theatre.
Shaibu also interacted with wounded soldiers, commending their sacrifices and assuring them of continued medical care, rehabilitation and institutional support.
The visit underscores the COAS commitment to frontline leadership, operational readiness and improved troop welfare as the Nigerian army intensifies efforts to defeat terrorism and consolidate security in the North-East.(NAN)
