By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE to intensify their onslaught against criminal elements, declaring that the Nigerian Army will not relent until every threat to peace and stability is decisively crushed.
He commended the troops for their courage and resilience, noting that their sustained operations have forced criminal networks on the defensive and enabled displaced families to begin returning to their ancestral homes.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, in a statement on Wednesday, said the COAS gave the charge during an address to troops at the 401 Special Forces Brigade in Makurdi on Tuesday as part of his operational assessment tour of critical theatres.
Shaibu praised the troops for what he described as “steadfast commitment and sacrifice” in the face of persistent threats, stressing that their perseverance has not only degraded criminal elements but also restored confidence among local populations. According to him, the gradual return of internally displaced persons is clear evidence that security measures are yielding tangible results.
He, however, urged the soldiers not to lower their guard, ordering sustained pressure on all groups and individuals fomenting violence for selfish and nefarious interests. The Army Chief charged them to deal decisively with any threat to peace, irrespective of status or affiliation, warning that criminality would no longer find safe haven in affected communities.
Emphasising the strategic role of Operation WHIRL STROKE within the nation’s broader security framework, the COAS called for intelligence-driven operations, stronger inter-agency collaboration and deeper community engagement to consolidate recent gains.
He stressed that professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to Rules of Engagement must remain the hallmark of all operations.
Shaibu further cautioned troops to maintain neutrality and impartiality, particularly in areas experiencing communal tensions, underscoring that public trust and credibility remain critical force multipliers. He reminded them that the Army’s constitutional mandate demands fairness, firmness and fidelity to the rule of law at all times.
Reaffirming the Army’s loyalty to the President and the Constitution, the COAS also reiterated his commitment to troop welfare under his Soldier-First philosophy, assuring personnel that their well-being and that of their families would continue to receive priority attention.
The visit, according to the Army, forms part of efforts to strengthen operational readiness and reinforce command guidance as troops sustain momentum against criminal elements across the theatre.
