Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has held high level security talks with former heads of state Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as the Niger State government.
Shaibu paid courtesy visits to the two elder statesmen during a working trip to Niger State. He also met with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, represented by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba.
The army chief said the visits were part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the military and political leaders in addressing security challenges across the country.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving operational readiness, training and professionalism among its troops.
Shaibu briefed his hosts on ongoing exercises at army training institutions. He said the drills are designed to provide practical, mission focused training and to assess combat readiness while identifying areas that need reinforcement.
He described Niger State as strategically important because of its size and location. According to him, the army is deploying available resources and using technology to tackle insecurity in the state.
Shaibu also noted that he previously served in Niger State, describing it as home to many senior officers in the Nigerian Army.
As part of the visit, the army chief inspected the 31st, 11th and 18th Brigades in Bida. He said the assessment was aimed at identifying operational gaps and strengthening efforts to curb recent security threats.
Babangida and Abdulsalami welcomed the visit and praised Shaibu’s leadership and professionalism. They congratulated him on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
Deputy Governor Garba commended the Nigerian Army for its support in tackling insecurity in Niger State. He said the state government remains committed to working closely with the military to restore peace and stability.
The visit underscores the Nigerian Army’s push for closer cooperation with state governments and key stakeholders in improving national security.
