The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has paid courtesy visits to elder statesmen and key stakeholders in Niger State, pledging a more robust and technology-driven military response to banditry and other security threats in the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the COAS visited former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.

According to the statement, the visits were aimed at strengthening collaboration with national leaders, traditional institutions, and the state government to enhance ongoing military operations across the country.

Commitment to Operational Excellence

During his engagements, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to operational excellence, improved security outcomes, and sustained cooperation with stakeholders to end terrorism and banditry. He disclosed that the Army is intensifying training, doctrinal development, and operational readiness through continuous exercises across its formations and training institutions.

“These exercises are designed to deliver mission-oriented training, assess combat readiness, and identify gaps that may require additional troops or new formations,” the COAS said. “We are consolidating available resources and leveraging technology to effectively address security challenges.”

Strategic Importance of Niger State

Highlighting Niger State’s vast landmass and strategic relevance, the COAS noted his personal and professional ties to the state. “I have previously served here as a Training and Doctrine Commander, and many of my colleagues also have strong connections to Niger State. In many ways, it is regarded as home,” he said.

Support from Former Leaders

In their separate responses, Generals Babangida and Abdulsalami commended the COAS for his dedication, professionalism, and leadership vision. They congratulated him on his appointment and offered prayers for wisdom, courage, and success as he leads the Army in addressing contemporary security challenges.

State Government and Traditional Institutions React

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, represented by his deputy Yakubu Garba, praised the Nigerian Army for its proactive support in tackling insecurity. He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration with the military would help restore peace and protect lives and property across the state.

During his visit to the Etsu Nupe, the Army Chief assured that security operations in Niger State would be strengthened through increased troop deployment, enhanced use of technology, and deeper engagement with traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

Focus on Intelligence and Technology

Lt.-Gen. Shaibu explained that his visit also served as an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing military deployments, aimed at identifying operational gaps and determining where additional troops and combat enablers are required.

He stressed the importance of intelligence-driven operations, particularly community-based and human intelligence, noting that traditional institutions play a critical role in providing timely and actionable information.

The COAS also revealed plans to deploy modern surveillance and operational technologies to improve situational awareness, enhance rapid response, and bridge existing capability gaps within the state.

Traditional Rulers Pledge Support

Commending the Etsu Nupe for his consistent support of troops, the Army Chief described traditional institutions as indispensable partners in the fight against insecurity. In response, the Etsu Nupe pledged continued cooperation, intelligence sharing, and prayers for the success of military operations.

He also praised the professionalism and conduct of Nigerian Army personnel operating within the Nupe Kingdom, noting their positive engagement with local communities and contributions to peace and stability.

According to the Army spokesperson, the visits underscore the Nigerian Army’s commitment to collaboration, operational excellence, and the protection of Nigeria’s national security interests.