By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended the Nasarawa State Government for its support to newly established Nigerian Army formations and units, noting that such collaboration is critical to strengthening operational readiness, improving response to security threats and advancing national security objectives.
This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations.
The COAS made the commendation on Friday, 9 October 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, at Government House, Lafia, as part of his operational assessment tour and activities surrounding the graduation of a full-fledged Special Forces battalion at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Doma.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the visit provided an opportunity to assess the operational readiness and administrative arrangements of the newly established formations and units. He appreciated the governor and the people of Nasarawa State for providing an enabling environment and critical facilities to support the effective take-off and operations of the new formations.
The COAS noted that the Nigerian Army’s expansion from 8 to 12 divisions requires strengthened operational capabilities, improved force disposition and closer cooperation with state governments and other security stakeholders. With Nasarawa hosting several Army formations and units, including the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, the expanded military presence is expected to strengthen security coverage, improve response to emerging threats and support peace and stability across the North-Central region.
In his response, Governor Abdullahi Sule thanked the COAS for siting the formations in the state, describing the development as strategic to improving security and creating a more conducive environment for socio-economic activities. He assured the Nigerian Army and other security agencies of his administration’s continued support and collaboration to sustain peace and enable the formations to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
