COAS Directs Special Forces to Intensify Offensive Against Insurgents Nationwide

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered Special Forces troops to intensify operations against armed groups across the country, saying the military must take “decisive dominance” of the battlefield.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the army chief gave the directive during his first operational visit to the 4 Special Forces Command in Doma, Nasarawa State, on Tuesday.

Addressing troops at the command and the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Lt Gen Shaibu said intelligence-led and precision operations were crucial to dismantling what he described as criminal and insurgent networks threatening national security. He told soldiers that the security environment required speed, adaptability and sustained pressure.

He said the army would no longer rely on what he called reactive engagements, warning that armed groups would find no safe haven within Nigeria’s borders.

During the visit, the army chief received operational briefings from the Commander of the 4 Special Forces Command, Major General Olurotimi Awolo, and the Commandant of the Special Forces School, Brigadier General Umar Faruk Abubakar.

Lt Gen Shaibu approved the construction of additional accommodation and other facilities aimed at improving training and welfare for troops. He said the wellbeing of soldiers and their families remained a priority and pledged continued investment in logistics and modern combat equipment.

The visit also included a ceremonial tree-planting exercise within the cantonment, which the army said underscored its commitment toenvironmental sustainability.