Army Chief Visits Babangida, Abdulsalami, Pledges Improved Security in Niger

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has paid courtesy visits to former Heads of State, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improved security in the state.

According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, the visits were part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with national leaders and state governments while enhancing operational readiness.

Shaibu said the army is intensifying training and operational exercises nationwide to improve combat effectiveness and address security gaps, noting the strategic importance of Niger State to national security due to its vast landmass.

He also disclosed that he assessed operations of the 31st, 11th and 18th Brigades in Bida to address recent security challenges.

Babangida and Abdulsalami congratulated the COAS on his appointment and wished him wisdom in tackling security issues, while Governor Bago, represented by his deputy Yakubu Garba, commended the army’s support and expressed confidence in improved peace and stability.