Nigeria deploys troops to Benin Republic for regional security operation
By: Zagazola Makama
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 efforts to combat terrorism and transnational crimes in the sub-region.
Shaibu stated this while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja.
He said the Nigerian Army remained committed to fostering intelligence sharing, strategic partnerships, and collaborative mechanisms aimed at denying criminal and terrorist groups freedom of action within Nigeria and across neighbouring countries.
The army chief said the deployment to Benin Republic underscored Nigeria’s resolve to strengthen regional security architecture and enhance collective responses to emerging threats in the West African sub-region.
According to him, commanders at all levels must remain adaptive, mission-focused, and committed to inter-agency and multinational cooperation in ongoing operations.
Shaibu also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sustained support to the Nigerian Army through strategic interventions targeted at improving personnel welfare, infrastructure, and operational capabilities.
He said the army had continued to prioritise infrastructure development, equipment modernisation, and combat support services to improve operational efficiency and troop welfare.
The COAS said the induction of modern platforms, refurbishment of ageing equipment, improved maintenance culture, and indigenous repair initiatives had enhanced troops’ mobility, firepower, surveillance, and operational sustainability.
He added that the Nigerian Army had also intensified welfare initiatives, including construction and renovation of soldiers’ accommodation, healthcare improvements, prompt medical evacuations, and increased skill allowances for personnel.
Shaibu said the army would continue to strengthen civil-military cooperation initiatives aimed at fostering peace, mitigating humanitarian challenges, and supporting socio-economic development in host communities.
He urged participants at the conference to remain innovative and solution-oriented in addressing evolving security threats and preparing the Nigerian Army for future warfare realities.
The COAS expressed confidence that deliberations at the conference would produce actionable strategies to further strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army.
