Army Deploys Additional Special Forces To Boost Operations In Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba

The Nigerian Army has deployed COAS Special Intervention Battalion XV specially trained troops as a force multiplier to the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) to strengthen operations in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States.

The deployment followed the successful completion of an intensive Special Forces training programme conducted at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora, Niger State.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, approved the deployment of the newly graduated soldiers to key formations and operational theatres across the country, including Operation WHIRL STROKE, Enduring Peace and others.

A statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, said troops upon arrival in the Joint Operations Area demonstrated high morale and combat readiness.

“They are expected to bring fresh momentum to ongoing efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks, curbing insecurity and restoring normalcy to communities shattered by banditry, armed violence and other criminal activities.
The deployment is also intended to safeguard farming communities, protect livelihoods and revive socio-economic activities disrupted by relentless insecurity in the region,” he said.

Addressing the troops, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, charged the soldiers to effectively apply the skills, discipline and tactics acquired during their Special Forces training, emphasising that the mission demanded professionalism, resilience and total commitment.

He reminded them that the operational environment leaves no room for complacency, stressing that the troops have to be decisive and ruthless against terrorists and other criminal elements. He further encouraged them to collaborate with sister security services and agencies.

Major General Gara also sensitised the troops on the responsible use of social media, highlighting both its positive and negative implications on military operations.

The newly inducted troops were also sensitised on the need to maintain cordial relationship with host communities while upholding human rights tenets in line with extant code of conduct.

He also urged them to maintain operational security at all times and to conduct themselves in line with the Nigerian Army’s core values and rules of engagement.