By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger support from traditional institutions to enhance intelligence gathering and boost ongoing security operations in Niger.
The acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
He stated that Shaibu made the call during a courtesy visit to Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers in his palace in Bida.
He added that the COAS’s visit was part of on-the-spot assessment of military deployments across the state, aimed at identifying operational gaps and determining areas requiring additional troop deployment.
He quoted the army chief as saying “we are reviewing the security situation on ground to see where we need to reinforce deployments and close existing gaps to respond effectively to emerging threats.”
Shaibu also said that intelligence-driven operations remained central to the army’s strategy, noting that traditional rulers were critical partners in providing timely and actionable community-based intelligence.
He added that the Nigerian army was scaling up the use of modern surveillance and operational technologies to improve response time, enhance situational awareness and strengthen overall effectiveness in the state.
The COAS commended the Etsu Nupe for consistent support to troops operating within the Nupe Kingdom, describing traditional institutions as indispensable allies in the fight against insecurity.
He reaffirmed army’s commitment to protecting lives and property and will continue to work closely with state governments, traditional rulers and local communities to restore lasting peace across the country.
In his response, the Etsu Nupe assured the Army Chief of continued support of traditional rulers, pledging sustained community cooperation, intelligence sharing and prayers for the success of military operations.
He praised the professionalism and discipline of Nigerian Army personnel in the area, noting their positive engagement with local communities and contributions to peace and stability. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
