CDS Orders Troops To Redouble Efforts In Combating Terrorism

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged troops of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade to redouble their efforts to eradicate the numerous security challenges in their Joint Operations Area (JOA) and in Southern Kaduna generally. General Oluyede gave the charge during his operational visit to the Brigade stationed at Samaru Kataf, Kaduna State.

A statement by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the visit was aimed at ascertaining the Brigade’s combat readiness and the challenges confronting troops, with a view to addressing them.

He added that the visit  was also to ensure the total eradication of terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of criminality hitherto prevalent in the general area before the establishment of the Brigade in 2024.

The CDS, while addressing the troops, expressed satisfaction with their alertness and professional demeanour.

He ordered the troops to ensure they remain committed, professional and dedicated to their duties. He further challenged them to continually initiate innovative ideas that will always place them ahead of criminals.

“You must keep outwitting criminals by anticipating their actions and evolving effective countermeasures. We will continue to support you with the necessary equipment, enablers, platforms and pay due attention to your welfare that will ensure your success,” he said.

Earlier, the Commander of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, Capt (NN) OJ Ekuma, highlighted the formation’s achievements, including the neutralisation of criminals, multiple recoveries of weapons and rustled cows, rescue of kidnapped victims, and the arrest of high-profile bandits and their collaborators.

He further noted that the Brigade has also hindered the movement of bandits and other criminals within its JOA, thereby ensuring improved security in the region.

As part of the appraisal, the CDS inspected ongoing Defence Headquarters projects and military deployments in the general area.

He similarly directed the provision of critical operational equipment and platforms that were lacking or inadequate in the Brigade.

The CDS, accompanied by the Chief of Defence Operations Maj Gen JH Abdussalam, GOC 3 Division Maj Gen EF Oyinlola and some other principal staff officers, underscored the commitment of the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to continually identify and block gaps in equipment, welfare and general well-being of troops to ensure optimal operational efficiency.