The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday paid courtesy visits to former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s resolve to enhance security operations and strengthen collaboration with political and community leadership.
During the engagements, Lieutenant General Shaibu outlined key initiatives aimed at boosting training, doctrine and operational readiness across the Nigerian Army. He disclosed that ongoing exercises across Army training institutions are focused on practical, mission-oriented drills designed to sharpen combat effectiveness, assess the disposition of troops and identify operational gaps requiring reinforcements or the creation of new formations.
The COAS underscored the strategic importance of Niger State, particularly its vast landmass and security significance, noting that the Army is consolidating resources and deploying technology to confront emerging threats.
“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 deep ties with the state. In many ways, it is home,” Shaibu said.
He further revealed that he conducted operational visits to the 31st, 11th and 18th Brigades in Bida to assess security challenges firsthand and deploy additional resources to curb recent incidents of insecurity in parts of the state.
Responding, former Heads of State, Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, praised the COAS for his professionalism, strategic insight and leadership vision. They commended the Nigerian Army for sustaining high standards of operational excellence and congratulated Lieutenant General Shaibu on his appointment, offering prayers for wisdom and courage as he navigates complex security challenges.
Also speaking, Niger State Deputy Governor, Dr Yakubu Garba, who represented Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, welcomed the COAS and acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s proactive role in supporting security efforts across the state. He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between the state government and the Army would restore peace and safeguard lives and communities.
The visits underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to stronger civil–military cooperation, operational excellence and the protection of Nigeria’s national security interests.
