By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has paid courtesy visits to former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhanced security, operational excellence and deeper collaboration with state governments and national leaders.
In a statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS said the engagements formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen civil–military relations and align security strategies with key stakeholders in the face of evolving security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu briefed the elder statesmen and the Niger State Government on current initiatives by the Nigerian Army to deepen training, refine doctrine and improve operational readiness across formations. He explained that a series of exercises currently being conducted across Army training institutions are designed to ensure personnel receive practical, realistic and mission-oriented training, while also serving as platforms to assess the operational disposition of combat units and identify capability gaps requiring reinforcement or the establishment of new formations.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Niger State, the COAS said the Army is consolidating available resources and leveraging technology to address security challenges more effectively, particularly in states with vast and difficult terrains.
“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.
He further disclosed that he had undertaken operational visits to the 31st, 11th and 18th Brigades in Bida to assess operational gaps and facilitate the provision of critical resources aimed at curbing recent security challenges in parts of the state.
In their separate responses, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar warmly received the Army Chief, commending his dedication, professionalism and visionary leadership. The former Heads of State also praised the Nigerian Army for sustaining high standards of discipline and operational excellence, while congratulating Lieutenant General Shaibu on his assumption of duty. They prayed for wisdom, courage and sustained success as he leads the Army through contemporary security challenges.
Representing Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Dr Yakubu Garba, welcomed the COAS and commended the Nigerian Army for its proactive support in addressing security concerns in the state. He outlined some of the prevailing challenges and expressed confidence that sustained partnership with the Army would help restore peace and stability across affected communities.
“We are confident that, with the partnership of the Nigerian Army, we will overcome current challenges and protect lives and communities,” the Deputy Governor said.
The visits underscore the Nigerian Army’s resolve to strengthen operational effectiveness, deepen collaboration with political authorities and key national figures, and reinforce collective efforts aimed at safeguarding lives, property and Nigeria’s broader national security interests.
