By Ronke Adebayo
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged troops of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade in Kaduna State to intensify efforts toward eliminating terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other criminal activities within their Joint Operations Area (JOA) and across Southern Kaduna.
General Oluyede gave the directive during an operational visit to the Brigade headquartered in Samaru Kataf, Kaduna State.
According to the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the visit was aimed at assessing the combat readiness of the Brigade and identifying operational challenges confronting troops with a view to addressing them.
He explained that the assessment was part of ongoing efforts to ensure the complete eradication of terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other criminal activities that had previously plagued the area before the establishment of the Brigade in 2024.
Addressing the troops, the CDS expressed satisfaction with their alertness and professionalism, urging them to remain committed, disciplined and dedicated in the discharge of their duties.
He also challenged the personnel to continue developing innovative strategies capable of keeping them ahead of criminal elements.
“You must continue to outwit criminals by anticipating their actions and evolving effective countermeasures,” the CDS said.
He assured the troops of continued support from Defence Headquarters in the areas of equipment, operational platforms and welfare to enhance their effectiveness in the field.
“We will continue to support you with the necessary equipment, enablers and platforms, while also paying due attention to your welfare to ensure operational success,” he added.
Earlier, the Commander of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, Capt. (NN) O.J. Ekuma, highlighted some of the Brigade’s operational achievements, including the neutralisation of criminals, recovery of weapons and rustled cattle, rescue of kidnapped victims, and arrest of high-profile bandits and their collaborators.
He noted that the Brigade had also succeeded in restricting the movement of bandits and other criminal elements within its area of responsibility, leading to improved security in 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 considered inadequate within the Brigade.
The visit, which was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General J.H. Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General E.F. Oyinlola, alongside other senior military officers, underscored the commitment of the Armed Forces leadership to strengthening troop welfare, addressing operational gaps and enhancing overall combat efficiency.
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