Shaibu orders special forces to intensify offensive against terrorists

2026-03-03 - 15:57

By Kingsley Omonobi The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of the 4 Special Forces Command to intensify and sustain high-impact operations aimed at decisively defeating terrorists and insurgents across the country. The directive was conveyed during his operational visit to the 4 Special Forces Command on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Doma, Nasarawa State. According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief stressed that the Nigerian Army Special Forces remain at the forefront of efforts to dismantle and neutralise criminal networks threatening national security. Addressing troops of the 4 Special Forces Command and the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma, Lt. Gen. Shaibu underscored the importance of precision-driven and intelligence-led operations in dominating the battlespace. He urged personnel to remain proactive, adaptive and mission-focused, noting that the evolving security environment demands speed, surprise and superior combat readiness. Reaffirming his operational philosophy, the Army Chief declared that the era of reactive engagements is over, warning that terrorists and other violent criminals would find no sanctuary anywhere within Nigeria’s territory. Earlier, the COAS received operational briefings from the Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, Major General Olurotimi Azubuike Awolo, and the Commandant, Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Brigadier General Umar Faruk Abubakar. He expressed satisfaction with the operational outlook and training standards at the Command and approved the immediate construction of additional accommodation blocks and critical facilities to enhance training capacity, operational efficiency and troop welfare. Lt. Gen. Shaibu assured officers and soldiers that their welfare, as well as that of their families, remains a top priority under his leadership. He pledged continued investment in training, logistics and modern combat enablers to ensure sustained operational superiority. In a symbolic gesture promoting environmental sustainability within Army formations, the COAS and Principal Staff Officers also planted trees within the cantonment during the visit.