By Chimezie Godfrey
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged troops of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade to intensify operations against terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other criminal activities within Southern Kaduna and adjoining areas.
The charge came during an operational visit by the CDS to the Brigade stationed in Samaru Kataf, Kaduna State, where he assessed the combat readiness of troops and operational challenges confronting the formation.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the visit was aimed at evaluating the operational effectiveness of the Brigade and identifying gaps requiring urgent intervention to improve operational efficiency.
According to the statement, the 2 National Mission Force Brigade was established in 2024 as part of efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes previously rampant within the area.
Addressing troops during the visit, General Oluyede expressed satisfaction with their level of professionalism, alertness, and operational conduct.
According to Uba, the CDS urged the troops to remain committed, disciplined, and proactive in tackling criminal elements threatening peace and stability within their Joint Operations Area.
The Defence Chief stressed the importance of innovation and intelligence-driven operations, noting that troops must continually develop new operational strategies capable of keeping security forces ahead of criminal groups.
According to the statement, Oluyede assured the troops that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue providing necessary operational equipment, logistics support, and welfare packages required to enhance mission success.
The CDS further pledged sustained attention to troop welfare and operational requirements to ensure improved effectiveness in ongoing security operations.
Earlier, the Commander of the Brigade, Captain OJ Ekuma, briefed the CDS on operational achievements recorded by the formation since its establishment.
According to the statement signed by Uba, the Brigade commander disclosed that troops had neutralised several criminal elements, rescued kidnapped victims, recovered weapons and rustled cattle, and arrested suspected bandits and collaborators during operations.
Ekuma further stated that the Brigade had significantly disrupted the movement of criminal groups within its area of responsibility, contributing to improved security in Southern Kaduna.
As part of the operational appraisal, the CDS also inspected ongoing Defence Headquarters projects and military deployments within the operational area.
According to the statement, Oluyede directed the immediate provision of critical operational equipment and platforms identified as inadequate within the Brigade.
The visit was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General JH Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General EF Oyinlola, and other senior military officers.
The Defence Headquarters noted that the visit underscored the commitment of the Armed Forces leadership to improving troop welfare, operational capacity, and overall combat readiness across various theatres of operation.
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