The Nigerian Army has deployed specially trained troops of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion XV to Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States as part of efforts to strengthen internal security and stabilise vulnerable communities.
The troops were deployed as a force multiplier to the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, following the successful completion of an intensive Special Forces training programme at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora.
This was contained in a statement signed by the acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and posted on X on Tuesday by the Nigerian Army.
The service said the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, approved their deployment to key formations and operational theatres across the country, including OPWS.
The statement titled, “Chief of Army staff deploys CSIB XV special forces as force multiplier to OPWS, bolstering safety in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
“In a renewed effort to strengthen internal security and stabilise vulnerable communities, the Nigerian Army has deployed COAS Special Intervention Battalion XV specially trained troops as a force multiplier to the Joint Task Force OPWS.
“The deployment follows the successful completion of an intensive Special Forces training programme conducted at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, subsequently approved the deployment of the newly graduated soldiers to key formations and operational theatres across the country, including Operation WHIRL STROKE.”
According to the Army, the newly deployed soldiers arrived at the Joint Operations Area with high morale and combat readiness.
The service said the deployed special forces are expected to support ongoing operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, addressing banditry and armed violence, and restoring normalcy to affected communities.
“Upon arrival in the Joint Operations Area, the troops demonstrated high morale and combat readiness. They are expected to bring fresh momentum to ongoing efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks, curbing insecurity and restoring normalcy to communities shattered by banditry, armed violence and other criminal activities. The deployment is also intended to safeguard farming communities, protect livelihoods and revive socio-economic activities disrupted by relentless insecurity in the region, ” it added.
Addressing the troops on arrival, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, welcomed them to the theatre of operations and tasked them to apply the skills and discipline acquired during their Special Forces training.
He emphasised the need for professionalism, resilience and commitment, noting that the operational environment requires decisiveness against terrorist and criminal elements.
Gara also urged the troops to collaborate with other security agencies and cautioned them on the responsible use of social media.
He further stressed the importance of maintaining cordial relations with host communities, respecting human rights, observing operational security and conducting themselves in line with the Nigerian Army’s code of conduct, core values and rules of engagement.
The PUNCH reports that the deployment of special forces to Nasarawa, Taraba and Benue is coming just a day after the same was sent to Plateau.
