By Saminu Ibrahim
(SINL NIGERIA) The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, has charged troops of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade to intensify efforts in tackling terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of criminality in Southern Kaduna and surrounding areas.
General Oluyede, in a statement on Wednesday by Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba gave the charge during an operational visit to the Brigade located in Samaru Kataf, where he assessed the combat readiness of troops and reviewed operational challenges confronting the formation.
The visit, according to the statement, was aimed at strengthening ongoing operations and ensuring the effective eradication of security threats within the Brigade’s Joint Operations Area (JOA), particularly in Southern Kaduna.
Addressing officers and soldiers during the visit, the CDS expressed satisfaction with the troops’ alertness and professionalism, urging them to remain committed and proactive in confronting criminal elements.
He stressed the need for troops to adopt innovative strategies capable of keeping security forces ahead of terrorists and bandits.
“You must keep outwitting criminals by anticipating their actions and evolving effective countermeasures. We will continue to support you with the necessary equipment, enablers and platforms, while also paying attention to your welfare to ensure success,” he said.
Earlier, the Commander of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, Capt. O.J. Ekuma, highlighted several operational achievements recorded by the formation since its establishment in 2024.
According to him, troops have neutralised criminals, recovered weapons and rustled cattle, rescued kidnapped victims, and arrested high-profile bandits alongside their collaborators.
He added that the Brigade has significantly restricted the movement of criminal elements within its operational area, thereby improving security across the region.
As part of the operational appraisal, the CDS inspected ongoing Defence Headquarters projects and military deployments in the area.
He also directed the provision of critical operational equipment and platforms identified as inadequate within the Brigade.
The visit, which was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Operations, JH Abdusalam, and the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, EF Oyinlola, underscored the commitment of the Armed Forces leadership to enhancing troop welfare, operational efficiency and national security.
