By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Government and people of Plateau State have commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for establishing additional Nigerian Army formations and units in vulnerable areas of the state.
The state described the initiative as a timely intervention that would strengthen security, reassure communities and consolidate the prevailing peace on the Plateau.
This was contained in a statement signed by Colonel Apollonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations on 15 September 2026.
The Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Her Excellency Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo, conveyed the appreciation on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, during a courtesy visit to the COAS in Jos.
She particularly applauded the establishment of 24 Armour Brigade in Langtang and its component units in Mangu, Wase and Shendam, noting that their strategic location would enhance security coverage and improve the capacity of troops to respond swiftly to threats in vulnerable communities.
The Deputy Governor stated that the new formations had further demonstrated the commitment of the Nigerian Army under Lieutenant General Shaibu to bringing security closer to the people and denying criminal elements freedom of action.
She expressed optimism that the increased military presence would reinforce public confidence, strengthen early response to security threats and contribute significantly to sustaining peace across the state.
While appreciating the intervention, the Deputy Governor requested the deployment of additional personnel and equipment to fully operationalise the newly established units and further strengthen security across the state.
She assured the COAS of the Plateau State Government’s readiness to provide accommodation and other necessary support to facilitate the deployment and effective functioning of troops.
Responding, the COAS disclosed that additional troops, including another battalion, would be deployed to Plateau State to reinforce existing formations and enhance the Army’s capacity to address current and emerging security challenges.
He added that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces had approved the recruitment of an additional 20,000 personnel to strengthen newly established formations and units and enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity nationwide.
Lieutenant General Shaibu stressed that the expansion of the Army’s presence in Plateau State was aimed at improving operational reach, enhancing responsiveness and providing greater security to vulnerable communities.
He called on relevant stakeholders and the private sector to complement Federal Government efforts by supporting initiatives that would enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of security operations.
The COAS further emphasised that lasting peace requires the collective commitment of government, security agencies, traditional and community leaders, as well as citizens. He therefore urged the people of Plateau State to continue supporting troops with credible information and embracing dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to working with the Plateau State Government, other security agencies and communities to consolidate the gains already recorded and create a secure environment for economic activities, investment and sustainable development.
