By Joy Odor, Reportcircle News
The Nigerian Army has thrown its full strategic weight behind operations in Plateau State, with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, declaring that the success of troops deployed in the area is “critical to national stability.”
Speaking during an operational visit to the Headquarters of 3 Division, Nigerian Army, in Jos on Monday, January 19, 2026, the Army chief delivered a firm, mission-focused message to officers and soldiers: discipline, professionalism and commitment are non-negotiable and the nation is watching.
Standing before troops at the heart of one of Nigeria’s most sensitive security theatres, Shaibu underscored the gravity of their assignment, describing Plateau as a uniquely complex environment whose stability carries implications far beyond state borders.
“This is not just a local operation,” the message implied. “What you do here matters to the country as a whole.”
The COAS placed discipline at the centre of operational success, reminding personnel that military service is a voluntary calling anchored on the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Any deviation from professional conduct, he warned, undermines not just operations but the very ethos of the Army.
Shaibu disclosed that he had received comprehensive briefings from the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division on both operational realities and welfare gaps confronting troops in the field.
According to him, the most urgent challenges identified during those briefings have already been addressed, with others receiving direct attention at Army Headquarters.
In a clear signal aimed at boosting morale, the COAS assured troops that logistics and combat enablers are being steadily deployed to strengthen operational effectiveness.
Welfare, he said, remains firmly on the Army’s priority list.
“We will continue to provide the enabling environment for you to do your job properly,” Shaibu assured, reinforcing the link between troop welfare and battlefield performance.
Turning to leadership and career development, the Army chief charged young soldiers to respect the chain of command and leverage the experience of senior officers.
He reminded officers of their responsibility to mentor subordinates, noting that successful military careers are built through guidance, discipline and example.
Physical readiness and mental alertness also featured prominently in the COAS’s address.
He explained that deliberate training measures are in place to ensure troops are adequately prepared for the evolving demands of modern military operations, particularly in asymmetric and internal security environments.
Shaibu placed special emphasis on the role of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs), describing them as the backbone of operational cohesion.
He urged them to provide firm, effective middle-level leadership, serving as the vital bridge between officers and rank-and-file soldiers.
On the ongoing Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) in Plateau State, the COAS acknowledged the uniqueness of the security challenges, assuring troops that the operation is being properly guided, resourced and supported to deliver on its mandate.
He also encouraged personnel to channel grievances through established military procedures, promising that legitimate concerns raised through the chain of command would receive prompt attention.
In a moment aimed at reinforcing morale, Shaibu reminded troops that their sacrifices are recognised at the highest levels of government and by Nigerians across the country.
He urged them to remain proud of their service and to uphold professionalism and honour in line with global best military practices.
The visit also carried a tangible welfare dividend.
The COAS commissioned two blocks of 30 flats for Non-Commissioned Officers, alongside a separate residential block for officers at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos part of broader efforts to improve living conditions for personnel and their families.
As Nigeria grapples with overlapping security pressures nationwide, the message from Jos was unmistakable: Plateau is a strategic test case, and the Army’s leadership is betting on discipline, welfare and leadership to hold the line.
