- Federal Government approves recruitment and training of over 28,000 new troops within one year.
- Army deploys additional battalion to Kwande to reinforce security operations.
- Military expands aviation assets, including helicopters, to boost rapid response.
The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment and training of more than 28,000 troops within one year to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Shaibu made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue State, at the Government House in Makurdi.
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According to the Army Chief, the visit was both official and personal, describing it as a return to a place that played a role in shaping his early education.
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He explained that the trip also included operational visits to the headquarters of Operation Whirl Stroke, the 401 Special Brigade, and other formations to assess operational readiness and address challenges facing troops.
Shaibu further disclosed that an additional battalion has already been deployed to Kwande Local Government Area to reinforce ongoing security operations.
He added that beyond kinetic military actions, the Army is also pursuing non-kinetic strategies by engaging traditional leaders such as the Tor Tiv to enhance community cooperation and intelligence gathering.
The Army Chief commended Governor Alia for supporting troops with operational assets including drones, motorcycles and vehicles, as well as providing educational assistance to widows of fallen soldiers.
He added that the Nigerian Army is expanding its aviation capabilities to improve response time, with plans to provide helicopters to support Operation Whirl Stroke, assuring the state government of the military’s continued commitment to restoring peace.
In his response, Governor Alia praised the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Army for their continued support in tackling insecurity in the state.
He noted that when his administration assumed office on May 29, 2023, about 17 of the state’s 23 local government areas were heavily affected by insecurity, but sustained security efforts have reduced the number of high-risk areas to three.
The governor also highlighted recent engagements with Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State, aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration to tackle insecurity along their shared boundaries.
Alia urged communities to support security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that security personnel should be seen as partners in safeguarding lives and property.