By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to enhancing national disaster preparedness, emergency response and humanitarian assistance as integral elements of Nigeria’s overall security framework.
The COAS made this known on Friday, 10 July 2026, while receiving the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Abubakar Umar, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
He described NEMA as a vital strategic partner, noting that its mandate aligns closely with the Nigerian Army’s constitutional role of supporting civil authorities in maintaining national stability during emergencies.
Lieutenant General Shaibu assured the delegation of the Army’s readiness to provide swift and effective operational support in disaster situations across the country.
He revealed that the Nigerian Army has established specialized Disaster Response Units (DRUs) in all geopolitical zones, strategically equipped for rapid deployment to flood-prone and other high-risk areas.
In a move to strengthen inter-agency preparedness, the COAS directed the Chief of Training (Army) to grant NEMA access to the Land Forces Simulation Centre. This, he explained, will facilitate joint tabletop exercises and scenario-based planning, thereby enhancing coordination, decision-making and overall operational efficiency ahead of field engagements.
Emphasizing the importance of proactive measures, the COAS highlighted the need for intelligence-driven disaster risk management and preventive strategies. He urged NEMA to intensify monitoring of critical infrastructure such as dams and reservoirs, while also fostering regional cooperation on transboundary water management to reduce the impact of seasonal flooding.
He stressed that effective disaster management relies heavily on early warning systems, timely information dissemination and seamless collaboration among relevant agencies. According to him, a coordinated national approach remains essential for protecting lives, preserving critical infrastructure and sustaining socio-economic stability.
Earlier, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Abubakar Umar, commended the Nigerian Army for its consistent support in disaster management operations nationwide. She disclosed that forecasts indicate a high risk of flooding in 33 states during the current rainy season, with simulation exercises planned for vulnerable states such as Oyo, Cross River and Adamawa.
She further appealed for increased military support in key areas including engineering, aviation and search-and-rescue operations to enhance the country’s disaster response capabilities.
