The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday paid courtesy visits to former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to operational excellence, enhanced security and collaboration with state governments and national leaders.
Speaking during the visits, Lieutenant General Shaibu highlighted ongoing initiatives by the Nigerian Army aimed at strengthening training, doctrine and operational readiness across its formations. He briefed the former leaders and the Niger State Government on exercises currently being conducted across Army training institutions to ensure personnel receive practical, mission-oriented training.
According to the COAS, the exercises also serve to assess the operational disposition of combat units and identify gaps that may require reinforcement through additional troop deployment or the establishment of new formations.
Emphasising the strategic importance of Niger State, which has one of the largest landmasses in the country, Shaibu said the Army was consolidating available resources and leveraging technology to address security challenges effectively.
“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,” he said.
The Army Chief also disclosed that he undertook operational visits to the 31st, 11th and 18th Brigades in Bida to assess operational gaps and provide the necessary resources to curb recent insecurity in the state.
In their responses, Generals Babangida and Abdulsalami welcomed the COAS, commending his dedication, expertise and leadership vision. They also praised the Nigerian Army for sustaining high standards of professionalism and operational excellence.
Both former leaders congratulated Shaibu on his assumption of office and prayed for courage, wisdom and sustained success as he leads the Army through contemporary security challenges.
Representing Governor Bago, the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Dr Yakubu Garba, welcomed the COAS and commended the Nigerian Army’s proactive support in tackling security challenges in the state. He outlined ongoing security concerns and expressed confidence that sustained collaboration with the Army would help 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,” Garba said.
