Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, has pledged to continue allocating personnel and operational resources to address security issues on the Plateau and throughout the nation. As part of his operational and familiarization tour of Army units in the state, Shaibu made the guarantee on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
The Army Chief reiterated the service's commitment to reestablishing enduring peace and security, according to a statement from Army spokesperson Col. Appolonia Anele. She also noted that troops will continue to be professionally deployed to reduce risks and defend lives and property.
"To reduce security risks and guarantee the safety of people and property, the Nigerian Army would keep COAS committed to the ongoing deployment of soldiers to Plateau. The COAS stated that "lasting peace on the Plateau is achievable with all hands on deck."
Shaibu described the state as a key partner and the home of the Armoured Corps, praising the Plateau State Government for its continuous support of the Nigerian Army, especially the Armoured Corps.
Although he acknowledged the complexity of the state's security issues, he emphasized that persistent cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated efforts among stakeholders will produce favorable outcomes.
Governor Mutfwang responded by wishing Shaibu a successful term and congratulating him on his selection as the 25th Chief of Army Staff. The governor commended the Nigerian Army's professionalism and sacrifices, noting that the Army had continued to fulfill its responsibilities successfully despite numerous deployments throughout the country.
In particular, he praised soldiers serving under Operation Enduring Peace for their proactive deployment, which made the state's Christmas and New Year's celebrations peaceful.
Mutfwang asked for continued cooperation to address lingering security issues and reiterated the Plateau State government's commitment to supporting both kinetic and non-kinetic activities.
The COAS also honored Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos, during the visit, assuring the traditional ruler of the Army's determination to completely restore peace throughout the Plateau.
The Gbong Gwom Jos expressed gratitude for the visit and promised ongoing assistance through youth sensitization and community involvement to solidify the peace thus far attained.
As a fundamental component of long-term peace and national security, the visit emphasized the significance of ongoing civil-military cooperation between the Nigerian Army, state governments, and traditional institutions.
Recurrent security issues in Plateau State in recent years have prompted ongoing military operations and deployments to safeguard communities and restore order.
Through a number of missions, such as Operation Enduring Peace, the Nigerian Army has kept a significant presence in the state while collaborating with local stakeholders and other security agencies.