The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s resolve to strengthen security operations in Niger State by reinforcing troop presence, improving the use of technology, and deepening cooperation with traditional institutions and other critical stakeholders.
Shaibu stated this on Wednesday in Bida 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.
The visit comes barely a week after a coordinated bandit attack on several communities in Agwarra and Borgu Local Government Areas of the state, which left over 30 people dead, destroyed a market and led to the abduction of residents.
Shaibu explained that the visit formed part of an on-the-ground assessment of military deployments across the state, aimed at reviewing ongoing operations and evaluating their effectiveness in addressing evolving security threats.
According to the Army Chief, the assessment focuses on identifying existing operational gaps and determining areas where additional troops, logistics, and combat support are required to respond more effectively to security challenges.
He said, “Identifying operational gaps and determining areas requiring the infusion of additional troops and other combat enablers to address emerging security challenges effectively.”
Shaibu emphasised the central role of intelligence-driven operations, noting that accurate and timely information remains critical to successful military interventions.
He stressed that community-based intelligence and human intelligence are essential components of countering insecurity, particularly in areas where local knowledge significantly enhances situational awareness.
He further stressed that traditional rulers play a vital role in facilitating trust and information flow between communities and security forces.
The Army Chief also outlined plans to expand the deployment of modern surveillance and operational technologies to support proactive security strategies.
He said adopting such tools would improve response time, enhance operational coordination, and close capability gaps affecting security operations in parts of the state.
Shaibu acknowledged the contributions of traditional institutions to military efforts and commended the Etsu Nupe for his consistent support of troops and other military personnel deployed in Niger State.
He described traditional rulers as indispensable partners whose cooperation strengthens community engagement and operational effectiveness.
Responding, the Etsu Nupe assured the Nigerian Army of the continued backing of traditional rulers across the state.
He pledged sustained cooperation through community engagement, intelligence sharing, and prayers to support ongoing security operations and improve overall safety within Niger State.
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