News
COAS tasks troops on mentorship, confidence in training, combat readiness
COAS tasks troops on mentorship, confidence in training, combat readiness
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged soldiers of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standards of professionalism by relying on their training, embracing mentorship, and demonstrating confidence during operations.
Lt.-Gen. Shaibu gave the charge while addressing troops at 1 Division during an operational visit, on Wednesday.

He emphasised that proper mentorship and leadership by example remain critical to building a combat-ready Army capable of responding decisively to national security challenges.
“You must be mentored properly to do your job,” the COAS told the troops. “Mentorship means leading by example. Listen to your officers. I have spoken to them they will lead you well so that together we can do our job properly.”
Shaibu assured the troops that the Nigerian Army Headquarters would continue to provide necessary resources, logistics and welfare support to enhance their operational efficiency.
“Note that the resources of the state will be used to provide everything that you require. That will be done,” he said.
The Army Chief urged soldiers to apply the skills acquired during basic and advanced military training, stating that competence in weapon handling and combat manoeuvres is essential for battlefield survival and mission success.
“Put the skills you have been taught to practice whenever you are deployed. Have confidence in your training. On hearing a gunshot, you should dash to the nearest cover and return fire,” he said.
According to him, a soldier must not only fire but “aim and kill” when confronted by hostile threats. He said the Army will intensify emphasis on martial principles, marksmanship, and weapon proficiency drills to enhance the fighting capability of the force.
“You have all gone through this training, and we will continue to deepen it. We are strengthening weapon handling and core combat principles to get the proper soldiers to do their job,” Shaibu added.
The visit also created an opportunity for troops to engage the COAS directly, as he opened the floor for questions and clarifications.
“If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I am here with some of my staff,” he said, accompanied by the Chiefs of Operations, Logistics, Military Intelligence, and Personnel Management.

The COAS reiterated his commitment to strengthening operational leadership across formations, emphasising that officers must lead with courage and responsibility, while soldiers must uphold discipline and confidence in their operational duties.
COAS tasks troops on mentorship, confidence in training, combat readiness
Military
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
By Zagazola Makama
Security was significantly reinforced around Niger’s Presidential Palace in Niamey following reports of unrest involving elements of the country’s armed forces, security sources told Zagazola Makama.
According to multiple security sources, the heightened deployment of the Presidential Guard, supported by armoured vehicles around the Presidential Palace on the night of July 3 and into July 4, followed what was described as a limited protest by personnel of an armoured unit within the Niger Armed Forces (FAN).
The sources said some soldiers reportedly declined deployment to frontline positions in northern Tillabéri Region, particularly around Inatès and Chinagodrar, citing inadequate heavy equipment and insufficient operational resources to confront the growing security threats in the area.
The protest was described by one source as a “small mutiny,” although there has been no official confirmation from the Nigerien authorities.
Security sources said the development triggered concern within the country’s leadership, prompting the reinforcement of security around the Presidential Palace and temporary restrictions on movement in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The Tillabéri Region remains one of Niger’s most volatile security zones, with recurrent attacks by armed extremist groups, including factions linked to the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerien government and military authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the reported protest or the increased security presence around the Presidency.
The situation remains under close observation.
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
News
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested two suspected criminals during a routine patrol in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects, identified as Azi Ezekiel, 21, and Ajiji Emmanuel, 19, were apprehended at about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday along the road leading to Forbur Village.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, while conducting a routine patrol in the area.
According to the sources, the two suspects have been handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Forbur for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at combating criminal activities and enhancing safety across Plateau State.
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
News
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Mohamdu Surajo, 29, was arrested at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday at Sabon Layi Village following sustained security operations in the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing preliminary interrogation to aid ongoing investigations.
They added that the arrest is part of continued efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
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