Nigerian Army to Deploy Technology, Troops to Curb Banditry in Niger State – COAS
The Nigerian Army has disclosed plans to deploy advanced technological solutions alongside increased troop presence to flashpoints in Niger State to curb the rising wave of bandit attacks on local communities.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made this known in an interview shortly after declaring open the 2026 Nigerian Army Doctrine and Training Conference organised by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Minna.
The five-day conference has the theme: “Enhancing Nigerian Operational Outcomes Through Effective Training and Doctrine Implementation.”
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the planned deployment aligns with the directive of President Bola Tinubu to apprehend perpetrators of insecurity and restore peace to affected areas.
According to him, the Army is exploring the use of various technological inputs to enhance operational effectiveness and address emerging security challenges not only in Niger State but across the country.
“The Nigerian Army will leverage modern technology to positively impact ongoing operations and stem the tide of bandit attacks,” the COAS stated.
He commended President Tinubu for his sustained support toward military training and capacity building, noting that such support has continued to strengthen the Army’s preparedness.
The COAS assured that training would remain a top priority under his leadership, as part of efforts to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities within joint and multi-agency environments.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed his unalloyed loyalty to the Tinubu-led administration and pledged to provide purposeful leadership to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
In his remarks, the Commander of TRADOC Nigerian Army, Major General Philip Malla, said the conference underscores the importance of robust administration, operational readiness, strategic cooperation, and exemplary leadership as anchors for effective training and doctrinal development.
He appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for his visionary leadership and consistent commitment to repositioning the Nigerian Army for optimal operational effectiveness.
After the opening ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff, accompanied by the Commander TRADOC and other senior military officers, paid courtesy visits to former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), at his Hilltop residence in Minna, and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).