By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday paid courtesy visits to former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd) and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), as well as the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhanced security, operational excellence and stronger collaboration with key national stakeholders.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS said the visits were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation with national leaders and state governments in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu briefed the former leaders and the Niger State Government on initiatives being implemented by the Nigerian Army to improve training, doctrine and operational readiness across formations.
He explained that several exercises are currently being conducted across Army training institutions to ensure personnel receive realistic and mission-oriented training, while also assessing the operational disposition of combat units and identifying gaps that may require additional troops or the establishment of new formations.
Emphasising the strategic importance of Niger State due to its vast landmass, the COAS said the Army was consolidating available resources and leveraging technology to tackle security challenges effectively. He noted his personal and professional ties to the state, having previously served there as a Training and Doctrine Commander.
The COAS also disclosed that he had undertaken operational visits to the 31st, 11th and 18th Brigades in Bida to assess operational gaps and provide the necessary resources to curb recent insecurity in parts of the state.
Responding, former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, welcomed the COAS and commended his dedication, expertise and leadership. They praised the Nigerian Army for sustaining high standards of professionalism and operational effectiveness, while congratulating Lieutenant General Shaibu on his appointment and offering prayers for wisdom, courage and success in addressing contemporary security challenges.
Representing Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Dr Yakubu Garba, also welcomed the COAS and applauded the Nigerian Army for its proactive support in addressing security concerns in the state. He outlined ongoing security challenges and expressed confidence that sustained collaboration with the Army would help restore peace and stability.
The visits underscore the Nigerian Army’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with government authorities and national leaders in the pursuit of improved security and the protection of Nigeria’s national interests.
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