The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged troops of 2 National Mission Force Brigade to redouble their efforts in eradicating the persistent security challenges in their Joint Operations Area (JOA) and Southern Kaduna generally.
Gen. Oluyede, in a statement issued by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, gave the charge during his operational visit to the brigade stationed at Samaru, Kataf, Kaduna State.
According to the statement, “The visit was essentially aimed at ascertaining the combat readiness of the brigade and the challenges confronting troops with a view to addressing them.”
Uba explained that the visit was tailored towards ensuring the total eradication of terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of criminality hitherto prevalent in the general area prior to the establishment of the brigade in 2024.
While addressing the troops, the statement explained that the Chief of Defence Staff expressed satisfaction with their level of alertness and professional disposition and ordered them to remain committed, professional and dedicated to their duties.
He further challenged them to continually initiate innovative ideas that would always place them ahead of criminals, urging, “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 and pay due attention to your welfare that will ensure your success.”
The commander of 2 National Mission Force Brigade, Navy Capt O.J. Ekuma, had earlier highlighted the achievements of the formation, which included the neutralisation of criminals, multiple recoveries of weapons and rustled cows, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the arrest of high-profile bandits and their collaborators.
He further noted that the brigade has also hindered the movement of bandits and other criminals within its JOA, thereby ensuring improved security in the region.
As part of the appraisal, the CDS inspected ongoing Defence Headquarters projects and military deployments in the general area. He directed the provision of critical operational equipment and platforms that were lacking or inadequate in the brigade.
The Chief of Defence Staff was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Operations, Maj. Gen. J.H. Abdussalam; GOC 3 Division Maj. Gen. E.F. Oyinlola; and other principal staff officers.
The visit underscored the commitment of the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to continually identify and bridge gaps in equipment, welfare and the general well-being of troops in order to ensure optimal operational efficiency.