CDS urges JTF commanders to show no mercy to terrorists and criminals

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has charged military commanders of the various Joint Task Force (JTF) not to show mercy to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups terrorising the peace in the country.

General Musa also urged the commanders to encourage and empower their troops to think creatively, challenge conventional wisdom, and embrace change as they strive for continuous improvement.

The Defence Chief gave the charge at the closing of the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference 2025, with the theme, “Enhancing Jointness Across All Theatres of Operations.”

Gen. Musa, who confirmed the killing of two notorious terrorist kingpins, Kachalla Gwammade and Kachalla Shehu, in Zamfara State, said that the operation carried out by troops of Operation Fansan Yanma under the ongoing operation ‘Show No Mercy’, eliminated the two leaders along with four of their fighters in Ruwan Dawa Village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Intelligence sources stated that the operation was conducted by troops stationed at Hannu Tara camp, in collaboration with local vigilantes. The troops were said to have engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, neutralising six armed criminals and recovering three motorcycles and several firearms.

Kachalla Gwammade, identified as a key terror commander, operated from a base in Chabi Village, north-east of Maru LGA.

The notorious terrorist leader was also a relative of the late Kachalla Sani Black, a notorious warlord recently eliminated in ongoing military operations.

The successful operation comes amidst intensified efforts to combat terrorism in the North-west region.

General Musa, who expressed his appreciation for the active participation and valuable contributions of participants during the conference, said the conference had enabled the military authorities and field commanders to reflect on their collective efforts and the attendant challenges faced in addressing the security situation in the country.

The CDS stressed the importance of unity of effort, resourcefulness, and the need for the political class to show more commitment to addressing security challenges.