The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has warned that terrorists and violent extremists would find no sanctuary anywhere within Nigeria’s territory, declaring that the era of reactive engagements was over.
He directed troops of the 4 Special Forces Command to intensify and sustain high-impact operations aimed at decisively defeating terrorists and insurgents nationwide.
The directive was given during his maiden operational visit to the Command in Doma, Nasarawa State.
Shaibu highlighted that the Nigerian Army Special Forces remained at the forefront of a determined campaign to dismantle and neutralise criminal networks that threatened national security.
Addressing personnel of the 4 Special Forces Command and the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma, he emphasised the strategic value of precision-driven, intelligence-led operations in dominating the battlespace.
Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, stated that the COAS urged troops to remain proactive, adaptive, and mission-focused, stressing that the evolving security environment required speed, surprise, and superior combat readiness.
Earlier, the COAS had received detailed operational briefings from the Commander of 4 Special Forces Command, Major General Olurotimi Azubuike Awolo, and the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Brigadier General Umar Faruk Abubakar.
He expressed satisfaction with the operational outlook and training standards, and approved the immediate construction of additional accommodation blocks and critical facilities to enhance training, operational efficiency, and troop welfare.
Shaibu assured officers and soldiers that their welfare, and that of their families, remained a top priority.
He reiterated that a well-supported, professionally grounded force was essential for sustaining operational dominance, pledging continued investment in training, logistics, and modern combat enablers to ensure the Special Forces maintain superiority over adversaries.
In a symbolic gesture demonstrating environmental responsibility, the COAS and Principal Staff Officers also participated in tree planting within the cantonment, underscoring the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustainable development alongside operational excellence.
Linus Aleke
