Nigeria Deploys Troops to Benin Republic to Bolster Regional Security
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to regional security cooperation with the deployment of troops to the Republic of Benin as part of coordinated efforts to combat terrorism and transnational crimes across West Africa.
Shaibu made this known on Tuesday while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja.
He stated that the Nigerian Army remained committed to strengthening intelligence sharing, strategic partnerships, and collaborative security mechanisms aimed at denying criminal and terrorist groups freedom of operation within Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
According to the army chief, the deployment to Benin Republic reflects Nigeria’s resolve to reinforce the regional security architecture and enhance collective responses to emerging security threats in the sub-region.
He stressed that commanders at all levels must remain adaptive, mission-oriented, and committed to inter-agency and multinational collaboration in ongoing operations.
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Shaibu also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sustained support to the Nigerian Army through strategic interventions focused on improving personnel welfare, infrastructure, and operational capabilities.
He noted that the army had continued to prioritise infrastructure development, equipment modernisation, and combat support services to boost operational efficiency and troop welfare.
The COAS said the induction of modern military platforms, refurbishment of ageing equipment, improved maintenance culture, and indigenous repair initiatives had significantly enhanced troops’ mobility, firepower, surveillance capacity, and operational sustainability.
He added that the Nigerian Army had intensified welfare programmes, including the construction and renovation of soldiers’ accommodation, improvements in healthcare services, prompt medical evacuations, and enhanced skill allowances for personnel.
Shaibu further stated that the army would continue to strengthen civil-military cooperation initiatives aimed at promoting peace, addressing humanitarian challenges, and supporting socio-economic development in host communities.
He urged participants at the conference to remain innovative and solution-driven in addressing evolving security threats and positioning the Nigerian Army for future warfare realities.
The COAS expressed confidence that deliberations at the conference would generate actionable strategies to further strengthen the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
By PRNigeria
