CDS Storms Southern Kaduna, Orders Troops to Intensify Offensive Against Terrorists, Bandits
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered troops of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade in Southern Kaduna to intensify operations against terrorists, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and other criminal elements threatening peace in the region.
The directive came during the CDS’s operational assessment visit to the Brigade’s headquarters in Samaru Kataf, Kaduna State, as part of ongoing efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to strengthen security operations and eliminate criminal networks across the North-West.
The development was contained in a press release issued by the Defence Headquarters and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on May 6, 2026.
Addressing troops during the visit, General Oluyede expressed satisfaction with the Brigade’s combat readiness, alertness and professionalism, but charged personnel to sustain the momentum and adopt more proactive strategies in tackling insecurity within their Joint Operations Area and across Southern Kaduna.
“You must keep out-witting criminals by anticipating their actions and evolving effective counter measures,” the CDS told the troops.
“We will continue to support you with the necessary equipment, enablers, platforms and pay due attention to your welfare that will ensure your success,” he added.
According to the Defence Chief, the visit was aimed at evaluating the Brigade’s operational effectiveness, identifying challenges confronting troops, and providing necessary support to ensure the complete eradication of terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling and related crimes in the region.
The 2 National Mission Force Brigade was established in 2024 to combat escalating insecurity in Southern Kaduna and surrounding communities.
During the operational briefing, the Commander of the Brigade, Captain (NN) O.J. Ekuma, highlighted several successes recorded by the formation since its deployment.
He disclosed that troops had neutralised several criminal elements, recovered weapons and rustled cattle, rescued kidnapped victims, and arrested high-profile bandits as well as their collaborators.
According to him, the Brigade has also disrupted the movement and activities of bandits within its operational area, leading to improved security and stability across affected communities.
As part of the visit, the CDS inspected ongoing Defence Headquarters projects and military deployments within the operational zone. He also approved the provision of additional operational equipment and platforms identified as lacking within the Brigade.
The Defence Headquarters noted that the visit underscored the commitment of the Armed Forces leadership to strengthening troop welfare, improving operational efficiency, and closing critical gaps in equipment and logistics support.
The CDS was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General J.H. Abdussalam; the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General E.F. Oyinlola; and other senior military officers.
