Nigerian Army Chief Visits Former Heads of State and Niger Governor, Pledges Stronger Security Measures

By Zainab Uzomah

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has paid courtesy visits to two former Nigerian Heads of State, Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation and enhance the Army’s operational readiness.

According to a statement issued by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the visits took place on Tuesday and formed part of the Army Chief’s wider engagement with national leaders and state authorities.

During the meetings, Lt Gen Shaibu outlined ongoing reforms within the Nigerian Army, including measures to improve training, doctrine and operational efficiency. He said recent exercises across Army training institutions were designed to provide personnel with practical, mission-focused experience and to assess the deployment needs of combat units. These assessments, he added, help identify gaps that may require additional manpower or the creation of new formations.

Lt Gen Shuaib described Niger State as strategically important, citing its vast landmass and security concerns. He also recalled his own service in the state as a Training and Doctrine Commander, noting its significance to the Army’s history. His visit included stops at the 31st, 11th and 18th Brigades in Bida, where he assessed operational challenges and directed the provision of additional support to curb a rise in insecurity.

Both former Heads of State expressed support for the Army Chief’s efforts. Generals Babangida and Abubakar praised Lt Gen Shaibu’s leadership and professionalism while commending the Army’s role in tackling security threats across the country. They also offered prayers for continued wisdom and success in his tenure.

Receiving the Chief of Army Staff on behalf of Governor Bago, the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Dr Yakubu Garba, acknowledged the military’s ongoing assistance in confronting security challenges across the state. He said the government remained confident that strengthened collaboration with the Army would help restore safety in affected communities.

The visits, the Army said, underscore its commitment to deepening cooperation with national and state leaders while pursuing improved security and operational effectiveness across the country.