COAS Reassures Nigerians of Restored Stability Amid Calls for State Policing, Forest Guards

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to curbing rising terrorism and insecurity across the country, particularly in the northern region.

Shaibu gave the assurance in Minna, Niger State, during the opening of the 2026 Doctrine and Training Conference at the Army’s Doctrine and Training Command (TRADOC). He noted that the military remains focused on executing President Bola Tinubu’s directive to restore peace and stability.

According to him, the annual conference provides an avenue to assess field operations, review activities, and formulate strategies that reflect the evolving and complex security environment. He added that the forum would also critically review existing training and doctrinal frameworks to further strengthen Army operations.

Earlier, Commander of TRADOC, Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla, explained that the event marked the commencement of the Nigerian Army’s training programmes for 2026.

Meanwhile, a new report by public policy think tank, Nextier, has warned that the Federal Government’s recently declared national security emergency may not produce lasting results unless complemented by state policing and structured deployment of forest guards.

The report, authored by governance and peace-building specialist, Dr. Ndidi (Anyanwu) Njoku, argued that Nigeria’s insecurity is increasingly mobile, economically motivated, and rooted in governance gaps, challenges that cannot be solved through troop expansion alone.

Similarly, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution has called for stronger cooperation between citizens and security agencies, describing the recent deadly attacks in Agwara and Borgu areas of Niger State as “desperate attempts” by terrorists under mounting pressure.

In another development, suspected explosive devices were discovered in a bush near Ganaru village in the Zugurma district of Mashegu Local Council. Farmers reportedly raised an alarm after sighting the devices.

Chairman of Mashegu Local Council, Jibrin Egade, confirmed the incident, saying the area had been secured. However, Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, clarified that only one explosive device, not three as earlier feared, was found and assured residents that bomb experts had been deployed to safely evacuate it.

Elleman urged residents to remain calm and continue their normal activities.

Meanwhile, the Niger State Commissioner for Basic Education, Dr. Hadiza Asebe Mohammed, has announced that only schools cleared by security agencies will reopen on January 12. She said schools located in Chanchaga, Suleja, Bida and parts of Bosso, considered safe, have been approved to resume academic activities.