COAS visits Babangida, Abdulsalami, Niger govt, pledges stronger security collaboration
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has paid courtesy visits to former Heads of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as the Niger State Government in an effort to deepen civil–military cooperation and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The high-level engagements, which took place on Tuesday in Minna, underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to operational excellence, enhanced security and closer collaboration with political leaders and sub-national governments in addressing evolving security challenges.
During the visits, Shaibu briefed the elder statesmen and state officials on ongoing initiatives by the Nigerian Army to strengthen training, doctrine and operational readiness across its formations nationwide.
He explained that a series of exercises currently underway across Army training institutions were designed to provide practical, mission-oriented training for personnel, while also evaluating the operational disposition of combat units.
According to the Army chief, the exercises serve as a critical tool for identifying operational gaps that may require reinforcement through the deployment of additional troops or the establishment of new formations.
Shaibu stressed the strategic importance of Niger State, describing it as a key security corridor due to its vast landmass and geographical location.
“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 a deep connection with this state.
“It is, in many ways, regarded as home,” he said.
The COAS also disclosed that he had conducted operational visits to the 31st, 11th and 18th Brigades in Bida, as part of efforts to assess operational gaps and provide the necessary support to curb recent security concerns in parts of the state.
The visits, he said, were aimed at ensuring that formations on the ground were adequately equipped and positioned to respond swiftly and decisively to emerging threats.
In their responses, Babangida and Abdulsalami welcomed the Army chief and commended his leadership approach, describing him as a professional officer with deep operational experience and a clear vision for the Nigerian Army.
They praised the Army for sustaining high standards of professionalism despite the complexity of Nigeria’s security environment and congratulated Shaibu on his assumption of office.
Both former leaders offered prayers for wisdom, courage and sustained success, urging him to continue prioritising training, discipline and welfare of troops as he leads the Army through contemporary security challenges.
At the Niger State Government House, Shaibu was received by the Deputy Governor, Dr Yakubu Garba, who represented Gov. Muhammed Umaru Bago.
Garba commended the Nigerian Army for its proactive support to the state in addressing security issues, noting that collaboration with federal security agencies remained critical to restoring lasting peace.
He outlined some of the security challenges confronting the state and expressed confidence that the strengthened partnership with the Nigerian Army would yield positive results.
“We are confident that, with the partnership of the Nigerian Army, we will overcome current challenges and protect lives and communities,” the deputy governor said.
