COAS pledges stronger security in Niger, visits former heads of state

By Christopher Oji

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, yesterday, pledged enhanced security measures in Niger State and closer collaboration with state authorities.

Shaibu made the pledge during visits to two former heads of state, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as Governor  Muhammed Bago, in Minna.

Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, made this known in a statement yesterday, in Abuja.

Addressing the former leaders and state officials, Shaibu said the Nigerian Army was consolidating resources and leveraging technology to tackle insecurity in the state.

“We are bringing together all our resources and expertise to address security challenges effectively.

“Niger State is home to many of us in the army, and we are committed to ensuring its peace and stability,” he said.

The COAS also highlighted operational visits to the brigades in the state, aimed at assessing security gaps and providing additional troops and equipment to curb rising threats.

Responding, Gen. Babangida and Gen. Abubakar commended Shaibu’s leadership, describing the Nigerian Army as a model of professionalism and operational excellence.

Representing Governor Bago, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Yakubu Garba, expressed appreciation of the army’s proactive role in addressing security challenges.

“With the partnership of the Nigerian Army, we are confident that we will overcome current security threats and protect lives and property across the state,” he said.

The visits underscored the army’s renewed focus on operational readiness, civil-military collaboration and the protection of citizens in Niger State and across the nation.