The Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Waidi Shaibu, has broken his silence on the escalating security crisis across Nigeria, assuring citizens that the military is working tirelessly to confront the wave of attacks and killings plaguing the nation.
Army Chief's Operational Visit to Kaduna
During his operational visit to the One Division, Nigerian Army Headquarters in Kaduna on Wednesday, Major-General Shaibu addressed troops and senior officers amid growing public concern over persistent security breaches. The visit formed part of his medium operational tour of various formations and units across the country.
The Army Chief specifically highlighted the strategic importance of One Division, describing it as "a major component of Operation Fansan Yamma" - a critical security operation in the northwestern region.
Addressing Public Concerns and Military Efforts
Recognizing the rising expectations from Nigerians, Shaibu acknowledged the pressure on armed forces to deliver tangible security results. "The armed forces, the army, we're doing our very best to ensure that we tackle the security challenges across our country," he stated emphatically.
While admitting that results might not be immediate, the Army Chief expressed confidence that ongoing military efforts would soon yield significant improvements. "And with time, of course, we'll start having very good results," he assured the public during his address.
Troops Charged to Maintain Professionalism
In his interaction with military personnel, Major-General Shaibu commended their sacrifices and commitment to national security. "First and foremost is to appreciate the troops for their commitment and sacrifice and what they are doing to stem the tide of security across the country," he acknowledged.
The Army Chief delivered a strong charge to officers and soldiers, urging them to maintain the highest standards of professionalism. "My charge to them is that they should continue doing what they are doing professionally and remain committed towards the cause of the mission we are giving them and ensure mission success," he emphasized.
Before concluding his visit, Major-General Shaibu conducted meetings with senior officers of the Division and officially commissioned a newly completed Soldiers' Cafeteria, demonstrating the Army's commitment to improving welfare facilities for personnel engaged in demanding security operations.
The Army Chief's public address comes at a critical time when many Nigerians have expressed growing frustration over the persistent security challenges affecting various regions of the country, particularly in the northwest where banditry and kidnapping activities have intensified.
