Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to operational excellence, enhanced security and closer collaboration with state governments and national leaders during a series of courtesy visits in Niger State.
Shaibu visited former Heads of State Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as Muhammed Umaru Bago, Governor of Niger State, on Tuesday, as part of efforts to strengthen strategic engagement with key stakeholders in the nation’s security architecture.
In a statement issued by Appolonia Anele, Director of Army Public Relations, the Army Chief said the Nigerian Army was intensifying initiatives aimed at strengthening training, doctrine and operational readiness across its formations nationwide.
According to the statement, the COAS briefed the former leaders and the Niger State Government on ongoing exercises across Army training institutions, noting that the programmes are designed to ensure personnel are equipped with practical, mission-oriented skills required to address evolving security threats.
“These exercises also help in evaluating the operational disposition of combat units and identifying gaps that may require the deployment of additional troops or the establishment of new formations,” the statement said.
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Shaibu emphasised the strategic importance of Niger State, particularly its vast landmass, which presents unique security challenges.
He said the Army was consolidating available resources and deploying technology-driven solutions to effectively respond to security concerns in the state and other parts of the country.
“We are consolidating all available resources and leveraging technology to address security challenges effectively. Niger State holds a special place in our history. I previously served here as a training and doctrine commander, and many of my colleagues also share a deep connection with this state. It is, in many ways, regarded as home,” the COAS said.
As part of the visit, the Army Chief also conducted operational assessments of the 31st, 11th and 18th Brigades in Bida, with a view to identifying operational gaps and providing the necessary manpower and logistics to curb recent incidents of insecurity in the state.
In their separate remarks, former Heads of State, General Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, welcomed the COAS and praised his dedication, expertise and visionary leadership.
They commended the Nigerian Army for sustaining high standards of professionalism and operational excellence in the face of contemporary security challenges.
Both elder statesmen congratulated Shaibu on his assumption of office and prayed for courage, wisdom and continued success as he leads the Army.
Also speaking, Yakubu Garba, Deputy Governor of Niger State, who represented Muhammed Bago, welcomed the Army Chief to the state and commended the Nigerian Army for its proactive support in tackling security challenges.
Bago acknowledged the security concerns facing parts of the state and expressed confidence that sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Army would help restore peace and stability.
“We are confident that, with the partnership of the Nigerian Army, we will overcome the current challenges and protect lives and communities across the state,” he said.
