In a bold and strategically pivotal move, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Nigeria, has issued an unprecedented directive to Nigerian Army troops: eliminate all shelter, refuge, and operational space for bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists across the nation’s forests, deserts, national parks, and hard-to-reach terrains. This announcement marks a significant escalation in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against pervasive criminal networks that have terrorised communities for over a decade.
This comprehensive update explores the background, implications, military strategy, and broader security context surrounding the COAS’s declaration — offering readers a professional, SEO-optimized breakdown of what this means for Nigeria today.
🇳🇬 “No Safe Haven”: COAS’s Strategic Security Directive
During his operational visit to the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division headquarters in Ibadan, Lt. Gen. Shaibu delivered a firm message to soldiers and criminal elements alike: “There will be no safe haven anywhere in Nigeria — in forests, deserts, mountainous areas or national parks.”
According to verified reports and official briefings:
The COAS urged troops to intensify both day and night combat operations to deny bandits freedom of movement and hideouts, especially in dense forest zones.
He specifically highlighted ongoing security challenges in Kwara general area, Kainji Lake National Park, and Old Oyo National Park — areas long exploited by criminal networks for concealment and attack staging.
Troops were tasked to adopt relentless offensive operations to root out criminal cells and restore law and order across these rugged terrains.
This directive signals a shift from reactive security postures toward proactive, territorially dominant military operations — a strategy aimed at pre-empting attacks rather than responding afterward.
📍 Targeted Regions: Forests, Parks & Border Hills
Nigeria’s diverse landscape — from forest reserves to national parks — has inadvertently become a refuge for criminal elements. These terrains offer:
Dense vegetation for concealment
Difficult access for security forces
Proximity to rural communities with limited protection
The COAS’s order specifically mentions:
🔹 Kainji Lake National Park
A sprawling conservation area extending across Kwara and Niger States frequently cited as a hideout for bandits known to launch kidnappings and raids on nearby villages.
🔹 Old Oyo National Park
Located in Oyo and Osun States, this park has faced a surge in criminal activity, with dense forests and rugged terrain making it attractive for illicit groups.
These areas are now designated priority operational zones where the Nigerian Army will apply overwhelming military force to dislodge entrenched networks.
⚔️ Military Tactics: From Daylight to Night Raids
The COAS identified terrain dominance and night operations as tactical priorities:
Night operations to limit bandits’ ability to regroup under cover of darkness.
Enhanced intelligence gathering and patrols, including technological and human intelligence, to anticipate and intercept criminal movements.
Greater emphasis on coordination between army units and community networks to boost situational awareness.
This operational shift aligns with global counterinsurgency best practices — combining persistent presence with local collaboration to break down illicit networks systematically.
💼 Troop Welfare: Strengthening the Army from Within
Beyond battlefield directives, Lt. Gen. Shaibu also underscored the significance of soldier welfare:
Approval for renovation and construction of additional accommodation to improve living conditions for officers and soldiers.
Assurance of prompt payment of entitlements and logistical support to sustain morale.
Troop welfare plays a crucial role in operational effectiveness. A well-supported force is more resilient, disciplined, and capable of executing prolonged field operations.
🔍 The Broader Security Context in Nigeria
The COAS’s declaration emerges amid a broader intensification of national security efforts:
⚠️ Rising National Security Emergency
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently declared a National Security Emergency, mobilising all resources, including forest guard units, to clamp down on bandits and terrorists exploiting Nigeria’s natural terrain.
🪖 Multi-Theatre Military Operations
Nigeria’s Army is engaged on several fronts simultaneously, including:
Operation Hadin Kai against Boko Haram factions in the Northeast
Operation Hadarin Daji targeting bandits in the Northwest
Southwest internal safeguarding operations under Army directives such as the current offensive
These intertwined campaigns reflect the multi-dimensional nature of Nigeria’s security challenges.
📈 What This Means for Nigerians
🛡️ Increased Security Presence and Stability
Communities in high-risk areas can expect:
Greater military presence
More frequent patrols and checkpoints
Enhanced collaboration with local leaders
This could dissuade criminal activity while rebuilding public confidence in national security structures.
🏞️ Safer Border & Conservation Zones
By dismantling safe havens in protected areas, the government aims to:
Reduce kidnapping for ransom
Halt livestock rustling and cross-border raids
Strengthen eco-tourism potential of national parks
📍 Economic & Social Ripple Effects
Improved security fosters:
Revived agricultural activities
Increased investor confidence
Reinvigoration of local economies long suppressed by fear and instability
🔎 Final Takeaway: A New Phase in Nigeria’s Security Fight
Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu’s directive to flush out bandits and terrorists from forests, deserts, and national parks represents a milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against internal insecurity. By explicitly targeting environments previously exploited by criminal networks, the Nigerian Army is adopting a more assertive posture — one that prioritises territorial control, proactive operations, and sustained pressure.
While challenges remain, this strategic shift signals a renewed commitment to national peace, territorial integrity, and the protection of all Nigerians, from urban centres to rural hinterlands.
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