By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Nigerian Army has reinforced the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) with the deployment of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion XV, a unit recently trained under an intensive Special Forces programme.

The development was disclosed on Wednesday in Makurdi by the Force Commander, OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, in a statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer at Headquarters JTF OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu.

Major General Gara explained that the troops completed rigorous Special Forces training at the Nigerian Army Training Centre in Kontagora before being assigned to critical operational theatres across the country.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, approved the deployment of these highly trained personnel to strengthen ongoing operations, including Operation Whirl Stroke. Their arrival significantly enhances our operational capacity in the Joint Operations Area,” he said.

He described the troops as motivated and combat-ready, expressing confidence that their presence would intensify efforts to flush out criminal elements and restore peace in affected communities.

“These soldiers are coming in as a force multiplier. They will inject renewed vigour into the fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes that have disrupted lives and livelihoods in this region,” Gara stated.

The Force Commander said the reinforcement was also targeted at securing farming communities and creating a safe environment for economic activities to thrive, particularly in areas heavily impacted by insecurity.

While addressing the soldiers, Major General Gara urged them to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism. “You have undergone specialised training for a purpose. Apply your skills decisively and remain focused on the mission at hand,” he charged.

He warned that the operational landscape requires alertness and courage, stressing that there is “no room for complacency” in the fight against criminal networks. He further encouraged synergy with other security agencies to ensure coordinated and effective operations.

The troops were also sensitised on responsible social media engagement to prevent operational breaches. Additionally, they were reminded to foster positive relationships with host communities and to conduct their duties in strict adherence to human rights principles, the Nigerian Army’s core values and established rules of engagement.