The Chief of Army Staff has intensified efforts to stabilise Niger State by engaging traditional leaders as part of a broader review of military deployments, intelligence coordination, and operational readiness across the state.
According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this 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.
During the visit, the Army Chief explained that the engagement was aimed at conducting an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing military deployments, identifying operational gaps, and determining areas requiring the deployment of additional troops and combat enablers to address emerging security challenges within the state.
Lieutenant General Shaibu stressed the central role of intelligence-led operations, particularly community-based and human intelligence, noting that traditional institutions remain critical partners in providing timely and actionable information to support military operations.
He also outlined plans to leverage modern surveillance and operational technologies to improve situational awareness, enhance proactive responses, and bridge identified capability gaps, as part of a wider strategy to strengthen the security architecture in Niger State.
Commending the Etsu Nupe for his consistent support for troops deployed in the area, the COAS described traditional rulers as indispensable allies in the collective effort to combat insecurity and sustain peace at the community level.
In his response, the Etsu Nupe assured the Nigerian Army of the continued support of traditional rulers across the state, pledging sustained community cooperation, intelligence sharing, and prayers for operational success.
He further praised 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.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its resolve to protect lives and property and to work closely with state governments, traditional institutions, relevant stakeholders, and local communities to restore and sustain peace across the country.