Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed soldiers deployed in Sokoto State to sustain pressure on criminal networks and decisively crush bandits and terrorist groups believed to be hiding and operating in the region. Lt-Gen Shaibu issued the charge during an operational visit to troops of the 248 Reconnaissance Battalion under 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in Illela, Sokoto.
Shaibu commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and operational successes against criminal elements whose activities have disrupted the lives of ordinary Nigerians. He urged them to maintain the current operational tempo to decisively eliminate bandits and terrorists, stressing that their sacrifices are key to restoring lasting security in the northwest.
The Army chief also emphasised the importance of sustained momentum in the fight against non-state armed groups, saying that ongoing operations have contributed to improved security conditions within the troops’ area of responsibility. To support this effort, he directed enhancements to troop welfare, including construction of additional accommodation and essential facilities at Illela barracks to improve morale and operational effectiveness.
Sokoto has been a focal point of counter-terrorism operations amid ongoing efforts to dismantle bandit and extremist networks that exploit porous borders and ungoverned spaces. Previous military actions in the state have included targeted offensives that neutralised key terror suspects and recovered weapons, contributing to broader security gains in the North West.
