The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, has commended troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE for their resilience and steadfastness in restoring security across troubled communities, directing them to sustain the onslaught against criminal elements threatening peace and stability.
The Army Chief gave the commendation on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, while addressing troops at the 401 Special Forces Brigade in Makurdi. He praised their sacrifice and operational effectiveness, noting that their sustained efforts have significantly degraded criminal networks and enabled the gradual return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
According to him, the safe return of displaced residents stand as a testament to the troops’ unwavering resolve and commitment to securing vulnerable communities, creating an environment conducive for socio-economic activities to resume.
While applauding the gains recorded under Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the troops to remain relentless in sustaining pressure on all individuals and groups fomenting violence and criminality for selfish interests. He urged them to decisively confront any threat to peace, regardless of status, influence or affiliation.
The COAS underscored the strategic importance of Operation WHIRL STROKE within Nigeria’s broader security architecture, stressing the need to consolidate recent successes through intelligence-driven operations, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and sustained community engagement. He emphasized that operational achievements must be matched with professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement in line with global best practices.
He further cautioned troops to remain neutral and impartial, particularly in situations involving communal tensions, noting that credibility and public trust are critical force multipliers in ongoing operations. The Army Chief reminded personnel that the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate required fairness, firmness and fidelity to the rule of law at all times.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s loyalty to the President and the Constitution, the COAS also reiterated his commitment to troops’ welfare under his Soldier-First philosophy. He assured personnel that their well-being, as well as that of their families, would continue to receive priority attention through improved infrastructure and living conditions to sustain a motivated and combat-ready force.
The visit formed part of the COAS’ strategic assessment tour aimed at strengthening operational readiness and reinforcing command guidance in critical theatres across the country.
