By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening security operations in Niger State through enhanced troop deployment, improved application of technology and closer collaboration with traditional institutions and other critical stakeholders.
The Army Chief made this known on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, at his palace in Bida. The visit formed part of an on-the-spot assessment of the prevailing security situation and ongoing military deployments across the state.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Lieutenant General Shaibu said the visit was aimed at evaluating current operations, identifying operational gaps and determining areas that require the infusion of additional troops, logistics and other combat enablers to effectively address emerging security challenges in Niger State.
The COAS stressed the centrality of intelligence-driven operations to the success of military efforts, particularly community-based and human intelligence. He noted that traditional rulers occupy a strategic position within the security architecture, describing them as indispensable partners in providing timely and actionable intelligence that can enhance operational effectiveness.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also highlighted plans by the Nigerian Army to increasingly leverage modern surveillance and operational technologies to strengthen proactive security strategies, improve situational awareness, enable timely response to threats and bridge existing capability gaps across the state.
Commending the Etsu Nupe for his consistent support to troops and military personnel deployed within the Nupe Kingdom, the Army Chief acknowledged the critical role of traditional institutions in fostering trust, cooperation and mutual understanding between security forces and local communities.
In his response, the Etsu Nupe pledged the continued support of traditional rulers to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, assuring sustained community cooperation, intelligence sharing and prayers for the success of ongoing and future operations.
He further lauded the professionalism, discipline and conduct of Nigerian Army personnel operating within the Nupe Kingdom, noting their positive engagement with local communities and their contributions to peace, stability and confidence-building in the area.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its resolve to protect lives and property, stressing that it will continue to work closely with state governments, traditional institutions, relevant stakeholders and local communities to restore and sustain peace and security across Niger State and the country at large.
