The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE for restoring security across affected communities in Benue and neighbouring states.
He ordered a sustained and intensified onslaught against criminal elements destabilising the North Central region.
A statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, confirmed that the COAS delivered the directive during operational engagements at the 401 Special Forces Brigade in Makurdi and separate meetings with traditional rulers as part of his strategic assessment tour of the theatre.
Addressing troops, the Army Chief praised their resilience, sacrifice, and operational resolve, noting that the gradual return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes reflects tangible progress in degrading criminal networks.
He stated that “the secure environment created by ongoing operations has enabled socio-economic activities to resume in previously volatile communities.”
While acknowledging the gains recorded, Lieutenant General Shaibu directed troops to remain relentless and mission-focused, charging them to decisively confront individuals or groups fomenting violence, irrespective of status or affiliation.
He emphasised that recent successes must be consolidated through intelligence-driven operations, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement in line with international best practices.
The COAS further cautioned personnel to maintain neutrality and professionalism, particularly in areas affected by communal tensions, stressing that “credibility, discipline, and public trust remain critical force multipliers in sustaining operational dominance.”
He reaffirmed his Soldier-First philosophy, assuring troops that welfare improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced living conditions would continue to receive priority attention.
Extending his engagement beyond kinetic operations, the Army Chief visited the palaces of traditional leaders in Benue State.
He called for strengthened collaboration between the military and community institutions.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also said that while the Armed Forces would apply decisive force against enemies of the state, enduring stability requires communities to reject violence and deny criminal elements local support.
Lieutenant General Shaibu disclosed that his tour included a comprehensive review of Operation WHIRL STROKE and the 401 Special Forces Brigade to recalibrate ongoing operations for greater impact.
He announced measures to increase troop density along vulnerable corridors, particularly the Benue–Taraba axis, including the deployment of an additional battalion, alongside reinforced logistics support, surveillance assets, and rapid response capabilities.
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that intelligence-led operations, early warning systems, and sustained community engagement remain indispensable in preventing reprisals and breaking cycles of violence.
With the country approaching the general elections, Lieutenant General Shaibu assured citizens that proactive security measures are being implemented to guarantee a safe environment for civic activities.
The traditional rulers commended the Nigerian Army’s resilience while advocating deeper integration of grassroots intelligence into operational planning.
The engagement signalled a reinforced partnership between military formations and traditional institutions aimed at isolating criminal networks from community support and restoring lasting peace across the North Central region.