Fresh details have emerged on a high-level security engagement involving the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, following his visit to Niger State to consult with key national figures on the worsening insecurity across parts of the country.
The visit, which focused on security coordination and military strategy, saw the Army Chief hold closed-door meetings with former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
He also met with the Niger State Government and traditional authorities in the state.
The meetings were centred on strengthening ongoing military operations, especially against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats affecting the North Central region and beyond.
During the engagements, the COAS restated the Nigerian Army’s resolve to improve operational effectiveness through better training, improved doctrine, and increased readiness of combat units across the country.
He explained that the Army is currently conducting structured exercises within its training institutions to test field readiness and expose operational gaps.
According to him, the exercises are designed to prepare troops for real-life missions, while also helping the military determine where additional manpower, equipment, or new formations are required.
“We are consolidating all available resources and leveraging technology to address security challenges effectively,” the COAS said.
He described Niger State as strategically important due to its size, terrain, and historical role in military operations.
The Army Chief noted his personal connection to the state, recalling his previous service there as a Training and Doctrine Commander.
“I have 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,” he said.
General Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, in their separate remarks, praised the Army Chief for his leadership approach and commitment to national security. They expressed confidence in his ability to steer the Army through current security challenges.
The elder statesmen also congratulated him on his appointment and offered prayers for wisdom, strength, and success in his new role.
The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, who was represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, commended the Army for its continued support in tackling security threats within the state.
He acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by communities and stressed the need for sustained collaboration.
“We are confident that, with the partnership of the Nigerian Army, we will overcome current challenges and protect lives and communities,” he said.
The COAS also visited the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, where discussions focused on community security, intelligence gathering, and civil-military cooperation. He assured the traditional ruler that security operations in Niger State would be reinforced through additional troop deployment, better surveillance, and improved coordination with local institutions.
He explained that the visit was part of an on-the-ground assessment of military deployments across the state, aimed at identifying weak points and determining areas that require urgent reinforcement.
The Army Chief placed strong emphasis on intelligence-driven operations, particularly community-based intelligence. He described traditional rulers as critical partners whose local knowledge and influence remain vital to successful military operations.
He also outlined plans to deploy modern surveillance and operational technologies to improve early response, situational awareness, and proactive security measures across the state.
Commending the Etsu Nupe for his consistent support for troops in the area, the COAS described traditional institutions as indispensable allies in the fight against insecurity.
In response, the Etsu Nupe pledged continued cooperation with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. He assured of community support, intelligence sharing, and prayers for troops deployed within the Nupe Kingdom.
He also praised the conduct of Army personnel in the area, noting their professionalism and positive relationship with local communities.
The series of visits, according to the Army leadership, reflects the military’s renewed focus on collaboration with political leaders, elder statesmen, and traditional institutions as part of a broader strategy to restore peace and stability across the country.