By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given approval for the recruitment and training of more than 28,000 soldiers within a year to reinforce Nigeria’s security framework.
General Shaibu made this disclosure during a courtesy visit to Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, at the Government House in Makurdi on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Speaking at the event, the Army Chief described his trip as both official and personal, noting that Benue was a place that shaped his early education. He explained that his engagements included operational visits to the headquarters of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), the 401 Special Brigade, and other formations to evaluate readiness and address challenges faced by troops.
Shaibu revealed that a new battalion has already been deployed to Kwande Local Government Area to bolster ongoing operations. He emphasized that the Army is complementing kinetic efforts with non-kinetic strategies, such as engaging traditional leaders like the Tor Tiv, to enhance community cooperation and intelligence gathering.
The COAS praised Governor Alia for his support, particularly in providing operational assets such as drones, motorcycles, and vehicles, as well as initiatives that assist widows of fallen soldiers with educational opportunities. He further disclosed that the Nigerian Army is expanding its aviation capacity to improve rapid response, including plans to deploy helicopters for Operation Whirl Stroke. He assured the Benue State Government of the military’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace in the state.
Governor Alia, in his response, lauded the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government for their dedication to improving security in Benue. He described the visit as a “homecoming,” acknowledging that General Shaibu was returning to a state that contributed to his upbringing.
The governor highlighted the progress made in reducing insecurity, recalling that when his administration took office on May 29, 2023, 17 of the state’s 23 local government areas were severely affected. Sustained collaboration with the military has now reduced high-risk areas to three, with relative peace being recorded even in those locations.
Alia also mentioned recent engagements with Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation to tackle insecurity along shared boundaries. He recounted how the federal government swiftly responded to a previous crisis by deploying three battalions within 24 hours.
The governor urged communities to provide credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that “uniformed personnel should be seen as partners in safeguarding lives and property.” He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting families of fallen soldiers and emphasized that lasting peace would enable displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes.