Former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar have commended the Nigerian Army for maintaining high standards of professionalism and operational excellence.
The former Nigerian leaders gave the commendation on Tuesday while speaking during a visit by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
Both former leaders congratulated the COAS on his assumption of duty and prayed for courage, wisdom, and sustained success in leading the Army through contemporary security challenges.
Naijaonpoint reports that Shaibu paid separate visits to the two former leaders and the Governor of Niger State, Muhammed Umaru Bago.
According to a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS during the visits, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to operational excellence, enhanced security and collaboration with state governments and national leaders.
The Army spokesperson said Lieutenant General Shaibu highlighted the ongoing initiatives by the Nigerian Army to strengthen training, doctrine and operational readiness across formations. He briefed the former leaders and the state government on exercises being conducted across Army training institutions, aimed at ensuring personnel receive practical and mission-oriented training. These exercises also help evaluate the operational disposition of combat units and identify gaps that may require additional troops or the establishment of new formations.
Gen Shaibu stated: “We are consolidating all available resources and leveraging technology to address security challenges effectively. Niger State holds a special place in our history; 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.”
According to Anele, Gen. Shaibu also highlighted operational visits to the 31st, 11th and 18th Brigades in Bida, aimed at assessing operational gaps and providing resources to curb recent insecurity in the state.
Representing Governor Bago, Deputy Governor, Dr Yakubu Garba welcomed the COAS to Niger State and commended the Army’s proactive support in addressing security issues. He highlighted ongoing challenges in the state and expressed confidence that the partnership with the Nigerian Army would restore peace and stability.
“We are confident that, with the partnership of the Nigerian Army, we will overcome current challenges and protect lives and communities,” he said.
Anele added that the visits highlight the commitment of the Nigerian Army to operational excellence, collaboration with government authorities and the protection of national security interests.