The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on traditional rulers in Niger State to collaborate with the military in tackling insecurity, emphasizing the critical role of community intelligence and local support in strengthening security operations across the state.
He emphasized that intelligence-driven operations, particularly community-based and human intelligence, remain central to addressing security challenges, noting that traditional rulers are key partners in providing timely and actionable information.
The Army Chief made this appeal during his courtesy visit to the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, at his palace in Bida, where he reviewed the security situation and ongoing military deployments across the state.
Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that the visit was aimed at conducting an on-the-spot assessment of operations, identifying gaps, and determining areas requiring additional troop deployment and combat enablers to address emerging threats.
He also disclosed plans to leverage modern surveillance and operational technologies to enhance proactive security strategies, improve response times, boost situational awareness, and bridge existing capability gaps.
Commending the Etsu Nupe for his consistent support to troops and military personnel, the COAS described traditional institutions as indispensable allies in the fight against insecurity.
In his response, 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 further praised 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.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its resolve to protect lives and property, stressing that it will continue to work closely with state governments, traditional institutions, relevant stakeholders, and local communities to restore and sustain peace across the country.
