The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday announced that a unified front among security agencies is the only viable path to lasting peace in Nigeria.
The assertion was made at Army Headquarters during a maiden familiarisation visit by the 23rd Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu. The meeting, marked by a sense of professional camaraderie, focused on dismantling the silos that often hinder inter-agency efficiency.
“A unified and well-coordinated inter-agency framework is indispensable,” Lieutenant General Shaibu stated during the reception. “It is only through this synergy that we can effectively address the evolving security challenges facing our nation and achieve enduring peace for all Nigerians.”
The COAS noted that his professional bond with IGP Disu is rooted in history, tracing back to their time serving together in the United Nations Mission in Darfur. This shared experience in complex international peacekeeping now serves as the foundation for their domestic collaboration.
For his part, IGP Disu emphasised that the complexity of current internal threats requires the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force to move in lockstep. He specifically lauded the Army for its role in bolstering the tactical capabilities of police units.
“The Nigerian Army’s support in training our Police Mobile Force personnel has been a game-changer,” IGP Disu remarked. “This partnership has significantly enhanced our operational effectiveness across multiple theatres, and we are committed to reciprocating through robust intelligence sharing and seamless operational coordination.”
The discussion also highlighted successful joint efforts in Kogi, Kwara, and Niger States, where combined operations have recently made significant dents in banditry and kidnapping syndicates. The COAS acknowledged that the support of the Police in these regions has been “invaluable” to the success of the troops on the ground.
As the meeting concluded, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a “jointness” philosophy, signalling a shift toward more integrated security strategies. The visit underscores a strategic pivot toward a more cohesive national security architecture as the country continues to battle diverse internal threats. #Securitynewsalert.com
