The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening security operations in Niger State through increased troop deployment, enhanced use of technology, and closer collaboration with traditional institutions and other stakeholders.
Shaibu gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, at his palace in Bida, as part of his operational tour of the state amid rising incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks by bandits and other criminal elements.
According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the visit was aimed at enabling the Army leadership to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing deployments, identify operational gaps, and determine areas requiring additional troops and combat enablers to effectively address emerging threats.
Speaking during the engagement, the COAS stressed the importance of intelligence-driven operations, particularly community-based tactics and human intelligence, describing traditional rulers as indispensable partners in providing timely and actionable information to support military operations.
He disclosed plans to leverage modern surveillance and operational technologies to enhance proactive security measures, improve situational awareness, ensure timely responses to threats, and bridge existing capability gaps within the state.
While commending the Etsu Nupe for his consistent support to troops deployed in the area, Shaibu described traditional institutions as critical allies in the fight against insecurity. He reaffirmed the Army’s resolve to fulfil its constitutional mandate to protect lives and property, pledging sustained collaboration with state governments, traditional institutions, relevant stakeholders, and local communities.
In his response, the Etsu Nupe assured the military of continued community cooperation, intelligence sharing, and prayers for operational success, while praising the professionalism and conduct of Army personnel within Nupe Kingdom.
As part of the tour, the COAS also visited Latini Barracks, Bida, where he addressed officers and soldiers of 18 Brigade. He assured them of improved welfare packages aimed at boosting morale and operational effectiveness, stressing that troop welfare remained a top priority under his leadership.
Shaibu charged the troops to remain resolute in degrading and neutralising bandits and terrorists, adding that sustained efforts were critical to restoring public confidence. He also disclosed plans to construct additional accommodation and establish skills acquisition centres to enhance the well-being and economic empowerment of troops’ families.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police have foiled an attempted attack and planned kidnapping of children in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State, rescuing 76 victims.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the Kaduna State Police Command received credible intelligence around 8pm on January 5, 2026, that suspected bandits planned to attack motorists conveying children through the area.
“On arrival, the police team engaged the suspects and successfully repelled the attack,” Hundeyin said, adding that 76 children aged between seven and 20 years were rescued unharmed.
Three suspects—Jonathan John, 25; Oliver Magaji, 27; and Bitrus Sawaba, 23—were arrested. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were conveying the children to different parts of the country for child labour and other illegal activities. The suspects are in custody and will be charged to court after investigations.
Amid the worsening security situation, the United Nations has urged Nigerian authorities to urgently strengthen the protection of civilians and educational institutions following a wave of deadly attacks in Niger State and neighbouring areas.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, issued the call after assailants attacked a crowded market in Kasuwan Daji, Borgu Local Government Area, on January 3, leaving dozens dead and many abducted.
Describing the incidents as serious human rights violations, Fall warned that continued attacks on civilians and schools threatened lives and undermined access to education. He called for the immediate release of abducted persons and urged authorities to ensure that perpetrators were brought to justice, while reminding Nigeria of its commitment to the Safe Schools Declaration.
In Oyo State, about five people were feared killed when bandits attacked the Old Oyo National Park Service office in Oloka, Oorelope Local Government Area. Conservator of the park, Tesleem Kareem, confirmed the incident, saying personnel were killed during the attack. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Commissioner of Police had deployed officers to the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Similarly, in Benue State, five farmers were killed by suspected armed herders in Udeku Maav-Ya community, Kwande Local Government Area, while harvesting yams and Bambara nuts. Confirming the attack, the council chairman, Tersua Yarkwan, described Kwande as a vulnerable border area and warned that repeated attacks during harvest season posed a serious threat to food security.
Against this backdrop, the Niger State Government has again reviewed its schools reopening policy, directing that all public and private schools in the Niger North Senatorial District remain closed.
Commissioner for Education, Dr. Asabe Mohammed, said the decision followed recent attacks in Borgu and Agwara local government areas. “Consequently, based on security concerns raised within the last forty-eight (48) hours in the Niger North Senatorial District, the government has approved the extension of the closure of all public and private schools in Zone C, pending further security clearance,” she said.
She, however, advised schools in Zones A and B to proceed with preparations for resumption as earlier announced, stressing that the safety of students and teachers remained the government’s highest priority.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in the state, Comrade Akayago Mohammed, said the union fully supported any policy that would “protect the lives of our members and their pupils,” adding, “We want a conducive environment for our members to do their jobs.”
