Chief of Army Staff Sends Special Forces to Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States

In a decisive move shortly after the deployment of a special force team in Plateau, Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu has extended the mission to include Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states. This new deployment is intended to act as a "force multiplier" for the existing joint task force known as Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in these areas.

Ahmad Zubairu, the acting spokesperson for OPWS, noted in a press statement that the newly formed COAS Special Intervention Battalion XV was established to bolster internal security and support the stabilization of vulnerable communities.

"The deployment follows the successful conclusion of an intensive Special Forces training course held at the Nigerian Army Training Centre in Kontagora," the statement explained further. Additionally, Lieutenant General Shaibu has sanctioned the assignment of these newly graduated soldiers to crucial units and operational zones spread across the nation.

Upon arrival in the Joint Operations Area, the troops reported high morale and readiness for combat. The special forces are set to enhance ongoing operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks and restoring stability to areas impacted by banditry, armed conflict, and various criminal undertakings.

The spokesperson for OPWS indicated that the primary objective of this deployment is to safeguard local farming communities, protect their livelihoods, and revitalize socio-economic activities stymied by persistent insecurity in the region.

Moses Gara, the OPWS Commander, welcomed the arriving troops and emphasized the need for them to utilize the skills, discipline, and tactics they acquired during their Special Forces training effectively. He highlighted that the mission would require a strong commitment to professionalism and resilience.

Gara urged the soldiers to act decisively against terrorism and other criminal factions, warning that complacency is not tolerated in the operational environment. He emphasized the importance of collaborating with other security agencies in their efforts.

He also addressed responsible social media use, noting its implications for military operations, both positive and negative, while encouraging the troops to maintain a good relationship with local communities, ensuring adherence to human rights standards as per the established code of conduct.

Furthermore, the commander reminded the newly inducted personnel to prioritize operational security consistently, conducting themselves in alignment with the Nigerian Army's core values and rules of engagement.