The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has instructed troops of the 4 Special Forces Command to ramp up and sustain decisive operations against terrorists and insurgents operating across the country.
Shaibu gave the charge on Tuesday during his first operational visit to the 4 Special Forces Command headquarters in Doma, Nasarawa State. His directive was conveyed in a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.
While addressing officers and soldiers of the command as well as personnel of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, the Army Chief described the Special Forces as a critical pillar in the military’s ongoing campaign to dismantle criminal and insurgent networks threatening the nation’s security.
He underscored the importance of intelligence-led missions and carefully coordinated strikes, noting that modern security challenges require calculated precision and swift execution.
According to the statement, Shaibu urged troops to remain proactive and adaptable, stressing that the present security climate demands speed, tactical surprise, and a high level of combat preparedness.
He made it clear that the military would no longer operate on a reactive footing. “The era of reactive engagements is over,” he declared, warning that terrorists and violent groups would not be allowed safe haven anywhere within Nigeria’s borders.
During the visit, the Army Chief received operational briefings from the Commander of the 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 ongoing operations and the standard of training at the formation.
To strengthen operational capacity, Shaibu approved the immediate construction of additional accommodation and other essential facilities to improve both training effectiveness and troop welfare. He assured personnel that the well-being of soldiers and their families remains a top priority under his leadership.
The Army Chief also reaffirmed the need for continuous investment in training, logistics support, and modern combat equipment to maintain operational superiority.
His visit comes against the backdrop of rising security concerns in parts of the North Central region, particularly in Nasarawa and neighbouring Niger State, where communities have reported renewed attacks by armed groups. The incidents have sparked fresh calls for more robust military action to restore calm and stability in the affected areas.
