By Miriam Humbe
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 numerous security challenges in their Joint Operations Area (JOA) and Southern Kaduna generally.
Major General Samaila Uba, the
Director Defence Information disclosed this in a statement signed on Wednesday.
The CDS gave the charge during his operational visit to the Brigade stationed at Samaru Kataf, Kaduna State.
The visit was essentially aimed at ascertaining the combat readiness of the Brigade and the challenges confronting troops with a view to addressing them.
This 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 CDS expressed satisfaction with their level of alertness and professional disposition. He ordered the troops to ensure they remain committed, professional and dedicated to their duties.
He further challenged them to continually initiate innovative ideas that will always place them ahead of criminals.
The CDS said: “You must keep out-witting criminals by anticipating their actions and evolving effective counter measures. We will continue to support you with the necessary equipment, enablers, platforms and pay due attention to your welfare that will ensure your success”.
In his brief earlier, the Commander of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, Capt (NN) OJ Ekuma highlighted the achievements of the formation which included neutralisation of criminals, multiple recoveries of weapons and rustled cows, rescue of kidnapped victims, 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 similarly directed the provision of critical operational equipment and platforms that were lacking or inadequate in the Brigade.
The visit of the CDS accompanied by the Chief of Defence Operations Maj Gen JH Abdussalam, GOC 3 Division Maj Gen EF Oyinlola and some other principal staff officers underscored the commitment of the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to continually identify and block gaps in equipment, welfare and general well being of troops in order to ensure optimal operational efficiency.
