The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday paid courtesy visits to former Heads of State, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger state, pledging enhanced security and stronger collaboration.
Shaibu said the visits were part of efforts to reaffirm the Nigerian Army’s commitment to operational excellence, improved security and partnership with state governments and national leaders.
The COAS said the army is strengthening training, doctrine and operational readiness across its formations.
He said ongoing exercises across army training institutions are designed to provide practical and mission-oriented training while assessing the operational disposition of combat units.
According to Shaibu, the exercises also help identify gaps that may require additional troops or the establishment of new formations.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Niger state, the COAS said the army is deploying resources and technology to tackle security challenges.
His words: “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.”
He said he also conducted operational visits to the 31st, 11th and 18th brigades in Bida to assess gaps and provide resources to address recent insecurity.
In their responses, Babangida and Abdulsalami congratulated Shaibu on his appointment and commended his leadership.
They praised the Nigerian Army for maintaining professionalism and operational excellence.
Both former Heads of State prayed for courage, wisdom and success for the COAS as he leads the army through current security challenges.
Representing the governor, Yakubu Garba, deputy governor of Niger state, welcomed the COAS and commended the army’s support in addressing insecurity.
Garba said the state government remains confident that collaboration with the Nigerian Army would 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,” he said.
