Former Nigerian leaders, Generals Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, have commended the Nigerian Army for what they described as exceptional professionalism and operational excellence.
The commendation was given on Tuesday during separate courtesy visits by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
Both former leaders congratulated Shaibu on his assumption of duty and offered prayers for courage, wisdom, and sustained success as he leads the Army amid evolving security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as part of his operational tour.
According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to operational excellence, enhanced security, and strengthened collaboration with state governments and national leaders.
Anele said Shaibu briefed the former leaders and the Niger State Government on ongoing initiatives aimed at improving training, doctrine, and operational readiness across Army formations. These include exercises being conducted in training institutions to ensure personnel receive practical, mission-oriented instruction.
The exercises, he noted, are also designed to assess the operational disposition of combat units and identify gaps requiring additional troop deployment or the establishment of new formations.
Speaking during the visit, Shaibu said the Army was deploying both resources and technology to tackle security challenges nationwide.
“We are consolidating all available resources and leveraging technology to address security challenges effectively. Niger State holds a special place in our history; I have previously served here as a Training and Doctrine Commander, and many of my colleagues also share a deep connection with this state,” he said.
He added that the state is regarded as “home” by many senior officers.
The COAS also highlighted operational visits to the 31st, 11th, and 18th Brigades in Bida, aimed at assessing security gaps and providing necessary resources to address recent security concerns in the state.
Representing Governor Bago, Deputy Governor Dr Yakubu Garba welcomed the COAS and praised the Army’s proactive role in addressing security challenges in Niger State.
“We are confident that, with the partnership of the Nigerian Army, we will overcome current challenges and protect lives and communities,” Garba said.
Colonel Anele noted that the visits underscore the Nigerian Army’s commitment to operational excellence, intergovernmental collaboration, and the protection of national security interests.