By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The Nigerian Army on Tuesday sharpened its commitment to ending insecurity on the Plateau, as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, declared that restoring lasting peace in the state remains a core military priority with national implications.
Shaibu made the assurance in Jos during a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Government House, where he met with Governor Caleb Mutfwang as part of an operational and familiarisation tour of Army formations across the state.
The visit came against the backdrop of Plateau’s long-running security challenges and ongoing operations under Operation ENDURING PEACE, a military-led effort to stabilise flashpoints and prevent a relapse into widespread violence.
Addressing the governor, the Army chief described Plateau State as a strategic partner to the Nigerian Army and the historic home of the Armoured Corps, praising the state government for its consistent logistical and moral support to troops deployed in the area.
Shaibu acknowledged the complexity of Plateau’s security environment but insisted it was not insurmountable.
He argued that sustained collaboration between the military, civil authorities, traditional institutions and local communities backed by timely intelligence sharing remains the decisive factor.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to deploy its personnel and resources professionally to mitigate security threats and protect lives and property,” he said.
“With all hands on deck, lasting peace on the Plateau is achievable.”
Governor Mutfwang, in his response, congratulated Shaibu on his appointment as the 25th Chief of Army Staff and expressed confidence in his leadership at a time when the Army is stretched across multiple theatres nationwide.
He paid tribute to the sacrifices, professionalism and gallantry of Nigerian soldiers, noting that despite the heavy operational burden, the Army has continued to deliver results.
The governor singled out troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE, crediting their proactive posture for ensuring calm and incident-free Christmas and New Year celebrations across Plateau State in 2025.
Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting both kinetic and non-kinetic security efforts, while calling for deeper cooperation to address residual threats in parts of the state still vulnerable to violence.
Beyond the corridors of power, the Army chief also took his peace message to the traditional institution, paying homage to the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba.
There, Shaibu reiterated the Army’s determination to consolidate security gains and restore full peace across the Plateau.
The monarch welcomed the visit and pledged the continued support of traditional leaders, promising to intensify community engagement and youth sensitisation to help preserve and build on the fragile calm achieved so far.
Taken together, the twin engagements at the Government House and the royal palace underscored a broader security strategy that blends military action with civil–military cooperation and grassroots buy-in.
For the Army leadership, the message from Jos was clear: Plateau’s peace is not just a local concern but a national imperative and it will be pursued through partnership, persistence and sustained presence.
