COAS Hails Nasarawa Support as Army Expansion Strengthens National Security
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has commended the Nasarawa State Government for supporting newly established Nigerian Army formations and units, saying the partnership is critical to strengthening operational readiness and improving responses to security threats.
Shaibu gave the commendation on Friday, Oct. 9, during a courtesy visit to Gov. Abdullahi Sule at the Government House, Lafia, as part of his operational assessment tour and activities surrounding the graduation of a full-fledged Special Forces battalion in Doma.
The COAS said the visit provided an opportunity to assess the operational readiness and administrative arrangements of the newly established formations and units.
He appreciated the governor and the people of Nasarawa for providing an enabling environment and critical facilities to support the take-off and operations of the new formations.
Shaibu noted that the Nigerian Army’s expansion from eight to 12 divisions required stronger operational capabilities, improved force deployment and closer cooperation with state governments and other security stakeholders.
He said Nasarawa’s growing role as a host to several Army formations and units, including the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma, was expected to improve security coverage and response to emerging threats across the North-Central region.
According to him, sustained collaboration between the military and state governments remains essential to advancing national security objectives and maintaining peace and stability.
In his response, Sule thanked the COAS for siting the Army formations in the state, describing the development as strategic to improving security and creating a more conducive environment for socio-economic activities.
The governor assured the Nigerian Army and other security agencies of his administration’s continued support and cooperation to sustain peace and enable the formations to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
The engagement underscores the importance of federal-state cooperation in strengthening military infrastructure, improving operational effectiveness and addressing evolving security challenges.
