Category: News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment and training of 28,000 additional soldiers within the next one year as part of efforts to reinforce Nigeria’s security architecture.The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, at the Government House in Makurdi.Shaibu explained that the decision forms part of the Federal Government’s strategy to strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army and address growing security challenges across the country.The Army Chief described his visit to Benue as both official and personal, noting that the state played a significant role in shaping his early educational background.According to him, the visit also provided an opportunity to conduct operational assessments of key military formations in the state, including the headquarters of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) and the 401 Special Brigade, with the aim of evaluating operational readiness and identifying challenges faced by troops.He revealed that the Nigerian Army has already deployed an additional battalion to Kwande Local Government Area to reinforce ongoing security operations in the state.Shaibu added that beyond conventional military approaches, the Army is also adopting non-kinetic strategies, which include engaging traditional institutions such as the Tor Tiv to enhance community cooperation and strengthen intelligence gathering.The Army Chief commended Governor Alia for his administration’s support to troops operating in the state, noting that the government had provided critical operational assets such as drones, motorcycles and vehicles, as well as educational support programmes for widows of fallen soldiers.He further disclosed that plans were underway to boost the Army’s aviation capabilities through the deployment of helicopters to enhance rapid response operations under Operation Whirl Stroke.In his remarks, Governor Alia welcomed the Army Chief, describing the visit as a homecoming and applauding the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government for their sustained support in tackling insecurity in Benue State.The governor noted that when his administration assumed office on May 29, 2023, about 17 of the state’s 23 local government areas were severely affected by insecurity. However, he said the situation had significantly improved, with only three areas currently classified as high-risk.Alia also revealed that discussions had been initiated with the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, to strengthen cross-border collaboration in addressing security threats along their shared boundaries.He further commended the Federal Government for its prompt intervention during previous security crises, recalling that three battalions were deployed to the state within 24 hours following his appeal.The governor urged residents to support security agencies with credible information, stressing that security personnel remain critical partners in safeguarding lives and property.Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the families of fallen soldiers and expressed optimism that sustained peace would enable internally displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes.