COAS: Joint Effort Vital to Combating Evolving Security Threats in Nigeria

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has stressed that a unified and coordinated approach among Nigeria’s security agencies is essential for effectively addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.

He made the remarks while receiving the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, during the latter’s maiden familiarisation visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja.

According to Colonel Apollonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the IGP highlighted the need for strengthened collaboration and sustained inter-agency synergy between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force to tackle internal security threats more efficiently. 

He commended the long-standing strategic partnership between the two institutions, noting that such cooperation is vital to achieving national security objectives.

The IGP also expressed appreciation to the COAS for the Army’s commitment to capacity development, particularly its role in training Police Mobile Force personnel, which has enhanced operational effectiveness across multiple theatres. 

He assured the Army of continued intelligence sharing and operational coordination to reinforce joint efforts in ongoing and future security operations.

In response, Lieutenant General Shaibu congratulated the IGP on his appointment as the 23rd Inspector General of Police and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to deepening inter-agency cooperation. 

He reflected on their professional relationship, which began during their joint service in the United Nations Mission in Darfur, as a strong foundation for collaborative operations in complex security environments.

The COAS further acknowledged the Nigeria Police Force’s invaluable support to troops deployed in Kogi, Kwara, and Niger States, where ongoing operations against banditry and kidnapping have achieved significant results. 

He assured continued Army support for the Police, stressing that only through a unified and well-coordinated inter-agency framework can lasting peace and security be secured across the nation.

The meeting reinforced the importance of joint planning, intelligence sharing, and operational coordination as key pillars for sustaining national security and tackling Nigeria’s dynamic security threats effectively.