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 use of technology and closer collaboration with traditional institutions and other stakeholders.
In a stattement, Acting Director Army Public Relations Col. Appolonia Anele said Lieutenant General Shaibu made this known on Wednesday, January 7, 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.
According to the Army Chief, the visit was part of an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing military deployments across the state, aimed at identifying operational gaps and determining areas requiring additional troops and other combat enablers to address emerging security challenges.
He emphasised the importance of intelligence-driven operations, particularly community-based and human intelligence, noting that traditional rulers play a critical role in providing timely and actionable information to support military efforts.
The COAS also disclosed plans to deploy modern surveillance and operational technologies to strengthen proactive security measures, enhance situational awareness and improve response time to threats within the state.
Commending the Etsu Nupe for his consistent support to troops deployed in the area, Lieutenant General Shaibu described traditional institutions as indispensable partners in the fight against insecurity.
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 operations.
He further praised the professionalism and conduct of Nigerian Army personnel operating within the Nupe Kingdom, citing their positive engagement with local communities and contributions to peace and stability.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its resolve to protect lives and property, assuring that it will continue to work closely with state governments, traditional institutions, relevant stakeholders and local communities to restore and sustain peace across the country.
