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.
