Tag: Waidi Shaibu

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining an effective, results-oriented relationship with civil society as part of efforts to promote non-kinetic strategies in the fight against insecurity.

Shaibu made this known during the formal inauguration of the renovated and remodelled Magajin Rafi Model Primary School, Tudun Wada, in the Sokoto metropolis on Saturday.

The project is one of the numerous civil–military special interventions initiated by the Chief of Army Staff and executed across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

He explained that the intervention was a deliberate effort to deepen public support, strengthen military–civilian cooperation, and advance community development.

The Army Chief stressed that the Nigerian Army remains people-oriented, noting that the civil population is indispensable to achieving national security objectives.

Read Also: Brains behind alleged coup know the consequences – Defence Minister

Represented at the event by the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, and Commander, Sector 2, North West Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Bemgba P. Koughna, Shaibu said such strategic efforts are vital to promoting non-kinetic operations and sustaining effective military–civil relations.

“Have renovated, constructed and remodelled other projects as hospitals, laboratories, schools, town hall centres, boreholes and other intervention projects with direct impact on the communities where our senior officers came from”, he enumerated.

“Today in Tudun Wada , Sokoto metropolis , we speak of and commend Major General  Aliyu Abbas Idris , the executor of the project as an officer who served the NA diligently and contributed greatly the service of the country” , Koughna remarked as he appreciated Sokoto state government and the resilient school management urging them to take full ownership of the project and ensure maintenance while assuring that the NA remain committed to pursuing non kinetic approach and sustained resilient synergy with other security agencies against security challenges.

The state Governor, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto represented by his Deputy, Engr. Muhammad Idris Gobir while inaugurating the completed projects, noted that primary education was the basis and back bone of educational excellence.

He acknowledged the strategic and resilient efforts of the Nigerian Army  in promoting, securing and fostering civil population relation that gave hope and confidence across the Nigerian society.

“As true citizens of the state, we appreciate with passion , all your efforts to the people of Sokoto state in driving the course for the educational prosperity of our communities”, he said. 

In his remarks, the project was executor, Major General Aliyu Abbas Idris said the efforts were tailored at rekindling hope and sustained commitment by the army to to smoothen the course and future of children quest for knowledge and education in the community.

“It is what I desire to accomplish with courage to provide opportunity that reflects peaceful learning environment for academic excellence.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Head Teacher of the school, Kabiru Yusuf commended the generosity of the Nigerian Army for enhancing, equipping and developing the learning environment with state of the arts adjourning facilities to make teaching and learning conducive for both teachers and pupils in the school established in 1935.

“I cannot thank you enough and appreciate our Governor for the wonderful landmark achievements. I assure you we will not only take ownership but protect the facilities and the school as a whole,” he stated. 

• Army Chief tours 6 Division in Niger Delta

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called on officers and soldiers of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, to double their efforts in protecting the country’s critical infrastructures in their Area of Responsibility (AoR).

Shaibu asked them to remain disciplined, committed and dedicated to their mandate describing their role as central to Nigeria’s economic stability.

The COAS addressed the troops at 6 Division Headquarters in Port Harcourt on Friday during his maiden operational visit to the formation.

The army chief said the effectiveness of the division’s operations in the Niger Delta directly impacted the nation’s economy citing its responsibility for safeguarding key oil and gas assets.

Read Also: Shettima reaffirms FG’s resolve to empower military

Addressing them, he said: “Your job here is very key to protecting critical national infrastructure, and once you do that job very well, it will impact positively on the economy of the country.

“So you need to take your job very seriously, be disciplined, committed and dedicated to the mandate of this Division.”

The COAS assured them that their challenges were receiving attention in his office, insisting that their welfare would remain a top priority of his leadership.

He pledged that officers and soldiers would receive their entitlements without delay or compromise.

“Be rest assured that I will take care of your welfare issues, which are topmost priority. You will get what you deserve, what you are entitled to, in one piece,” he said.

Shaibu disclosed that he had been fully briefed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, and brigade commanders under the Division, saying that the concerns were already being addressed.

• From, AbdulGafar Alabelewe

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, yesterday said Nigerians should expect improved security nationwide.

He spoke with reporters after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

Asked what Nigerians should expect, he said: “Improved security across the

The Army Chief said his operational assessment, especially after his recent visit to the Northeast, indicated “encouraging progress” in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

He explained that his briefing covered the outcome of his tour of the Northeast theatre of operations and an overview of nationwide security developments.

“The situation within this period is satisfactory, showing better coordination among the security agencies and continued pressure on criminal networks,” he said.

The assurance followed reports that the Nigerian Air Force had over the weekend carried out successful air raids on terrorist enclaves in Borno, Katsina, and Kwara States, neutralising hundreds of insurgents.

Read Also: Economy now predictable, stable, says Shettima

Defence Minister, Anyim, Arewa leaders hail Tinubu

At a separate event in Kaduna, top northern leaders, including Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, former Senate President Pius Anyim, and Arewa Think Tank Convener Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, commended President Tinubu for reducing insecurity and initiating economic reforms.

Badaru said bandit attacks in the North had “reduced significantly,” with farmers returning to their fields and safer highways now recorded across key routes.

“Banditry attacks have reduced in the North. People can now travel along Zaria–Funtua–Gusau without fear,” he said.

Anyim lauded President Tinubu’s efforts to deepen citizen engagement and transparency, while Yakubu maintained that Nigeria “remains a resilient nation” and urged citizens to resist divisive narratives.

“Tinubu is the man who will take this country to the promised land,” Yakubu said. “The tough reforms we see today will soon yield dividends for ordinary Nigerians.”

Adebayo warns against foreign interference

Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, cautioned against allowing foreign powers to exploit Nigeria’s internal challenges to deepen domestic divisions.

Speaking at the National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025 in Abuja, with the theme: “Critical Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027,” Adebayo warned that the recent threat by U.S. President Donald Trump to invade Nigeria over alleged “religious genocide” must not be allowed to fuel sectarian tensions.

“We must not use the Trump intervention as a basis to litigate our hatred for each other,” he said, stressing that external assistance must serve all Nigerians equally.

Think Tank: Nigeria spent N1.15tr on U.S. arms deals

Amid the debate over Trump’s comments, the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) said Nigeria has spent about $801 million (N1.15 trillion) on arms procurement from the United States between 2024 and 2025, the largest in recent years.

In a policy statement signed by its chairman, Dr. Omoniyi Akinsiju, the institute said the Tinubu administration’s record investment in defence demonstrates a strong political will to combat terrorism and protect citizens’ rights to freedom of religion.

It described the U.S. President’s “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) designation for Nigeria as misleading, noting that in 2024 alone, the Federal Government spent N520 billion on advanced military equipment.

“These include the purchase of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters worth $455 million from U.S. manufacturer Bell Textron and a $346 million contract for precision-guided munitions,” the group said.

The think tank suggested that Trump’s threats might be aimed at pressuring Nigeria into further arms deals with American defence firms, given China’s growing presence in Nigeria’s defence market.

Fani-Kayode: Nigeria must crush terror, resist manipulation

Former Aviation Minister Chief Femi Fani-Kayode also reacted strongly to Trump’s comments, accusing the United States and Israel of sponsoring global instability.

Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Law Week in Akure, Fani-Kayode said Nigeria must adopt a zero-tolerance stance toward terrorism.

“We must eliminate every single terrorist and those sponsoring them.

“I do not believe in dialogue or rehabilitation; they must be crushed and sent to their maker,” he said.

He described insurgents as “demons and vampires who must never be pampered,” adding that the Nigerian people demand justice for the thousands killed by terrorist groups.

While urging national unity, he emphasised that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorism and must unite to defeat it.