The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment and training of more than 28,000 new troops within the next year as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

Lt. Gen. Shaibu disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, at the Government House in Makurdi on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

According to the Army Chief, the visit was both official and personal, as he described Benue as a state that played a significant role in shaping his early childhood education.

He explained that the trip also involved operational inspections of military formations, including the headquarters of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), the 401 Special Brigade and other units, aimed at assessing operational readiness and addressing challenges faced by troops in the field.

Shaibu further disclosed that an additional battalion has already been deployed to Kwande Local Government Area to reinforce ongoing security operations in the region.

Beyond military engagements, the COAS said the Nigerian Army is also implementing non-kinetic approaches to tackling insecurity by engaging traditional leaders, including the Tor Tiv, to enhance community cooperation and intelligence gathering.

The Army Chief commended Governor Alia for supporting troops with operational resources such as drones, motorcycles and vehicles, as well as initiatives that provide educational assistance to widows of fallen soldiers.

He added that the Nigerian Army is expanding its aviation capabilities to improve rapid response to security threats, noting that plans are underway to deploy helicopters to support Operation Whirl Stroke.

Shaibu also assured the Benue State Government of the military’s continued commitment to restoring lasting peace across the state.

In his response, Governor Alia commended the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government for their sustained efforts toward improving security in Benue State.

The governor described the Army Chief’s visit as a “homecoming,” noting that the state played a part in his early upbringing.

Alia also praised the administration of President Tinubu for its commitment to national security, particularly in Benue, adding that the close collaboration between his government and the military has significantly reduced insecurity across 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 severely affected by insecurity. However, he said sustained security efforts have reduced the number of high-risk areas to three, with relative peace now being experienced even in those locations.

The governor further disclosed that his administration recently held discussions with the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, to strengthen cross-border cooperation in tackling insecurity along their shared boundaries.

He recalled that during a previous security crisis in the state, the Federal Government responded promptly to his appeal by deploying three battalions within 24 hours.

Governor Alia also urged residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that uniformed personnel should be regarded as partners in protecting lives and property.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the families of fallen soldiers and expressed optimism that improved security would enable internally displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes.

The Chairman of the (APC) in Plateau State, Hon. Rufus Bature, has pledged that the party will work diligently to meet the expectations of the people following his re-election at the party’s state congress held at Langfield, Rayfield in .

Speaking with journalists on his first day after assuming office for a new four-year term, Bature assured Plateau residents that the party would prioritize good governance, grassroots security, and effective service delivery.

According to him, the APC leadership in the state will continue to advise government officials to work in the interest of the people and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach even the poorest communities.

“We intend to work assiduously to make sure we meet the expectations of the people of Plateau State. As a party, we will continue to advocate for good governance and ensure that the dividends of democracy trickle down to the grassroots,” Bature said.

The APC chairman noted that the party, which previously operated as the main opposition in the state, is now part of the government and will align its policies with government objectives to ensure effective governance.

He explained that the party would rely on its constitutional provisions to guide the conduct of APC governments and elected representatives across the state.

“We will synergize with our elected representatives to ensure that the provisions in the APC constitution are implemented as part of government policy,” he added.

Bature also revealed plans to organize workshops for party officials across the state, from ward to local government and state levels, to strengthen party administration and prepare officials for their responsibilities.

He emphasized that the party intends to embrace digital transformation in its operations, noting that the APC had already begun electronic registration of members linked to the National Identity Number (NIN) database.

“We want to move away from politics as usual. This time around, we want to meet the expectations of the people. Our members are electronically registered, and their details can be accessed to know the real number of APC members on the Plateau and in Nigeria,” he said.

Reacting to his re-election, Bature described the renewed mandate as both an honour and a challenge that would push him to perform better than in his previous tenure.

“It has emboldened me to do more. Leadership comes with responsibility, and having been given another four years, the best in me must come out,” he stated.

On the forthcoming party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections, the chairman assured aspirants of a level playing ground, stating that the party would follow provisions of the Electoral Act, including the option of direct primaries.

He acknowledged that disagreements are common in party politics but said internal mechanisms exist to resolve disputes and ensure members feel included.

Bature also disclosed that the party intends to strengthen oversight of government projects across the state to ensure contractors deliver quality work and that public resources benefit the people.

“We will go round the local governments to look at projects and ensure that those saddled with responsibilities carry them out according to plan. Our aim is to ensure that the people of Plateau State get the best results from government,” he said.

The APC chairman further assured new members and aspirants who recently joined the party that they would enjoy equal rights and opportunities alongside older members.

According to him, the party will continue its membership registration drive to expand its base as it prepares for future elections and to support the administration of ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has conducted a peaceful State Congress, re-electing Hon. Rufus Bature and other members of the State Executive Committee (EXCO) through consensus.

The congress took place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Langfield Events Centre, with delegates from the 17 Local Government Areas of the state in attendance. The Chairman of the State Congress Committee, Mr. Oscar Oyebo, presented the list of consensus candidates, which was adopted by a voice vote.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang commended delegates for the orderly conduct of the exercise. He described the congress as historic and a sign of the party’s unity and maturity.

The Governor stressed the need for unity, tolerance, and reconciliation as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections. He referred to the APC as a “family” and urged members not to allow disagreements to weaken the party’s structure.

While acknowledging that “a few T’s need to be crossed and I’s dotted,” he assured members that any outstanding concerns would be resolved in the overall interest of the party. He also congratulated the re-elected chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature, and other EXCO members.

Governor Mutfwang announced a one-month statewide membership drive, encouraging each member to recruit at least ten new members. He also urged support for the party’s e-membership registration, noting that electoral success depends on strong grassroots mobilisation.

Speaking on the 2027 elections, the Governor said the APC is building what he described as a “Plateau People’s Party,” aimed at advancing the interests of citizens. He expressed confidence that the party would enter the elections united and strong.

He cautioned members, especially youths, against using social media to spread divisive messages. The Governor also apologized to anyone who felt sidelined during the congress and promised greater inclusion.

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Rufus Bature thanked party leaders and delegates for the renewed mandate. He described his re-election as both an honour and a responsibility to serve members faithfully.

Bature highlighted achievements recorded under his leadership, including the election of senators, members of the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives members, local government chairmen, and councillors under the APC platform.

The congress was observed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and required documents were submitted for validation. The exercise was widely seen as peaceful and transparent, marking a key step in strengthening the APC ahead of 2027.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly been killed after massive coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel, senior Israeli officials told global news agencies on Saturday. Their statements suggest Khamenei’s body has been found following the assault on his fortified compound in Tehran, but there is no independent confirmation yet from Iranian authorities.

According to the officials, the operation — described as one of the most extensive military offensives in the region in decades , targeted Khamenei’s compound and several strategic sites linked to Iran’s leadership, air defences, and nuclear program. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address that there were “many signs” indicating Khamenei “is no longer alive,” framing the strikes as a blow against what he called Tehran’s long-standing campaign of regional destabilisation.

President Donald Trump supported the offensive, characterising it as necessary to eliminate a perceived security threat to the United States and urging Iranians to rise up against their government. In the hours after the attack, Iran launched a wave of retaliatory missile and drone strikes at Israeli territory and U.S. military bases across several Gulf states, dramatically escalating conflict across the Middle East and spurring emergency meetings of the UN Security Council.

Iran’s government has denied reports of Khamenei’s death, with state media citing officials who claim he is “firmly commanding the field,” and Iranian state television showing footage suggesting ongoing leadership activity. Neither Iran’s foreign ministry nor the office of the supreme leader has acknowledged his demise, leaving his fate officially unverified as global tensions mount.

Khamenei, 86, succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989 as Iran’s highest authority, exerting near-absolute control over the country’s political, military, and religious institutions. Under his rule, Iran expanded its influence across the Middle East by supporting allied militant groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah, and maintained a fierce anti-Western posture. His potential death, if confirmed, would create a major succession crisis in Tehran and could reshape geopolitical dynamics throughout the region.

As of the latest reports, global leaders and diplomats are calling for restraint amid fears that the conflict could spiral further, disrupt international energy supplies, and draw in neighbouring countries.