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.
The Army Chief stated this on Wednesday 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.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the visit was part of an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing military deployments across the state, aimed at identifying operational gaps and areas requiring additional troops and combat enablers to effectively address emerging security challenges.
He stressed the importance of intelligence-driven operations, particularly community-based and human intelligence, noting that traditional rulers remain critical partners in providing timely and actionable information to support military efforts.
The COAS also disclosed plans to leverage modern surveillance and operational technologies to enhance proactive security strategies, ensure timely responses, improve situational awareness, and bridge existing capability gaps in the state.
Commending the Etsu Nupe for his consistent support for troops deployed in the area, the Army Chief described traditional institutions as indispensable allies 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 operational success.
He further lauded the professionalism and conduct of Nigerian Army personnel operating within the Nupe Kingdom, citing their positive engagement with local communities and their contributions to peace and stability.
