The Army Chief gave the directive during his operational visit to the 22 Armoured Brigade Step-Up Headquarters in Babanla on Thursday, where he assessed the security situation and interacted with troops on the frontlines of the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede, who arrived in Babanla at about 4:05 p.m., was received by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, alongside the Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, and other senior officers.
Addressing the troops, the COAS commended their courage and resilience in the face of security challenges, describing their efforts as “the highest form of patriotism to the nation.” He urged them to sustain momentum and ensure the total defeat of terrorist and bandit groups threatening peace in the region.
The Army Chief also expressed appreciation to the Oba of Babanla, Alhaji Aliyu Alabi Adegboyega Yusuf, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army, assuring the monarch and residents that the military will not relent until all forms of criminality are eradicated from Kwara State.
He called on residents who fled the community due to insecurity to return home, assuring them that the troops have made significant progress in clearing out bandits and restoring normalcy in the area.
In reaction to the visit, the Babanla Youths for Sustainable Development (BYSD) commended the COAS for his proactive leadership and the military’s dedication to restoring peace in the community. The group said the visit had boosted public confidence and reinforced the army’s commitment to securing lives and property.
The youth body also lauded Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for facilitating the establishment of the 22 Armoured Brigade Step-Up Headquarters in Babanla, describing it as a major step toward strengthening security in the state.
