Insecurity: Army Chief Shaibu solicits support of Royal fathers to end terrorism, banditry, others

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has solicited the support of royal fathers, traditional rulers and relevant stakeholders to join in the fight against terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping and other security challenges bedeviling the country.

This is just as the army chief has again reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to strengthening security operations in Niger State through enhanced troop deployment, improved application of technology and closer collaboration with traditional institutions and relevant stakeholders.

Gen. Shaibu, stated this when he visited the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Yahaya Abubakar, at his palace in Bida.

Lieutenant General Shaibu told the Etsu Nupe, that his visit to Niger state is aimed at conducting an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing military deployments across the state, identifying operational gaps and determining areas requiring the infusion of additional troops and other combat enablers to effectively address emerging security challenges.

He also highlighted plans to leverage modern surveillance and operational technologies to enhance proactive security strategy, timely response, improve situational awareness and bridge existing capability gaps within the state

While noting the importance of intelligence-driven operations, particularly community-based and human intelligence, the COAS, maintained that traditional rulers remain critical partners in providing timely and actionable information to support military efforts.

He said the Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property and will continue to work closely with state governments, traditional institutions, relevant stakeholders and local communities to restore and sustain peace across the country.

The COAS who commended the Etsu Nupe for his consistent support to troops and military personnel deployed in the area, described traditional institutions as indispensable allies in the fight against insecurity.

Welcoming the COAS and his entourage to his palace, 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 lauded the professionalism and conduct of Nigerian Army personnel operating within the Nupe Kingdom, noting their positive engagement with local communities and their contributions to peace and stability.