Show no mercy to terrorists, bandits, CDS charges JTF commanders

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

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

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

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

Musa, who confirmed the killing of two  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.

According to him, Intelligence sources said 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 terrorists 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 has 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.

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