By Reportcircle News
Nigeria’s counter-insurgency and anti-banditry campaign in the North West is entering a more unforgiving phase, as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, issued a blunt directive to frontline troops: maintain the pressure and finish the fight.
During an operational visit to Sokoto State on December 27, 2025, the Army chief charged soldiers of 8 Division and the Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to sustain their current tempo and decisively crush bandits and terrorist elements operating within the division’s Area of Responsibility.
Shaibu delivered the message while addressing troops of the 248 Reconnaissance Battalion in Illela, a frontline axis that has seen persistent security challenges.
The visit formed part of a wider assessment tour of formations and units under 8 Division, aimed at reinforcing command guidance and boosting troop morale.
The COAS commended the soldiers for what he described as gallantry, professionalism and resilience in confronting criminal networks whose activities have inflicted hardship on local communities.
He noted that sustained military pressure has already translated into measurable improvements in security across parts of the division’s operational area.
“I commend you for your courage and professionalism,” Shaibu told the troops. “Your sacrifices have improved security here. You must maintain the momentum and further annihilate these terrorists.
We can no longer tolerate their excesses against the Nigerian people.”
The language was deliberate and uncompromising signalling a leadership stance that views operational pauses as opportunities for adversaries to regroup.
Security analysts say the directive reflects a shift toward sustained dominance rather than episodic operations in the North West theatre.
Beyond combat orders, the Army chief addressed welfare often a decisive factor in frontline effectiveness.
Shaibu reassured troops of his commitment to improving their living and working conditions, announcing plans for additional accommodation, medical facilities and other essential infrastructure at Illela Barracks.
The move, he said, is designed to strengthen morale, support military families and enhance operational readiness over the long term.
For troops on the ground, the visit delivered two clear messages: performance is being noticed at the highest level, and leadership is prepared to back words with resources.
As Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensifies across the North West, the Army chief’s charge underscores a simple but forceful strategy keep moving, keep pressure on, and deny bandits and terrorists any space to survive or recover.
