The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked officers on the operational planning cadre to integrate advanced technology tools with timeless planning principles to ensure troops remain adaptable and resilient against diverse threats.

Declaring open the 2026 Operational Planning Cadre training for officers of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, in Ibadan yesterday, Shaibu said that to become combat-ready and decisive in today’s battlespace, commanders must be masters of operational planning and fluent in the language of technology.

He said that the training was designed to build upon the Nigerian Army’s foundational planning doctrines and prepare officers to meet the demands of modern warfare.

The COAS, represented by the Commandant, Nigerian Army Signals School, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Mustapha, said the training would sharpen participants’ ability to leverage technology not merely as a tool, but as a central driver of practical and decisive operational plans.

The Army Chief urged participants to approach the training with utmost seriousness and an open mind, and to engage vigorously in the lectures, practical exercises, and syndicate work.

“You are here to acquire the skills that will enable you to optimise planning processes, enhance situational awareness, and foster seamless interoperability with sister services and other security agencies,” he said.

Shaibu also urged the participants to translate the knowledge gained during the training into superior plans that would ensure mission accomplishment.

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, said the training was a strategic investment by the Nigerian Army in officers’ professional development.

According to him, the success of military operations is rooted in foresight, careful planning, and deliberate execution by both staff and field commanders, particularly at the tactical and mid-career levels.

“As senior non-commissioned officers and mid-career officers, you are the indispensable bridge between strategic intent and tactical realities on the front lines, and the translators of vision into action,” he said.

The GOC urged officers not to underestimate the weight of their responsibilities, noting that every operational plan has a direct impact on success in the field and on the achievement of mission objectives.

He said their ability to accurately assess the battle-space and adapt with precision determines the safety of troops and the security of the nation.

“This cadre training is designed not just to refresh your knowledge of operational planning principles, but also to equip you with modern analytical skills, sound judgment, and a shared understanding of the multidimensional battlespace in which we operate today,” he said.

The GOC added that the current operational environment was no longer purely conventional, but includes kinetic and non-kinetic engagements such as counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, anti-banditry operations, peace support operations, and civil-military cooperation efforts.

“To thrive in these complex environments, you will be immersed in doctrinal reviews and scenario-based simulations. I therefore urge you to bring your frontline experiences to bear,” he said.

Nnebeife thanked the COAS for his continuous guidance and support, and for providing the resources required to conduct the training, as well as the resource persons.

The Kaduna State Police Command says it has recorded major operational successes in the last two weeks, including the dislodgement of bandit camps.

The state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad disclosed this at a press briefing in Kaduna on Monday.

Muhammad said that the command also arrested some suspected gunrunners and recovered several illegal arms and drugs across the state.

He said that the achievements followed intelligence-led clearance operations conducted across Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi and Kauru Local Government Areas.

He disclosed that several bandits’ camps were dislodged during the operations, with some suspects neutralised during exchanges of fire while others escaped with injuries.

The commissioner added that suspected informants and drug suppliers linked to criminal networks were also apprehended.

According to him, items recovered during the operations include three AK-47 rifles, 21 fabricated firearms, one sub-machine gun (SMG) rifle, two English pistols, four fabricated pistols and large quantities of hard drugs.

He said the command also arrested five suspected notorious gunrunners.

”On Feb. 20 at about 9 p.m., operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on intelligence, arrested one suspect of Jaji, Igabi Local Government Area.

”The suspect was found in possession of six fabricated AK-47 rifles, three fabricated revolver rifles, two fabricated pistols, seven AK-47 magazines and a pair of black Wellco boots.

”In connection with the crime, another suspect of Unguwar Rogo, Jos North, was also arrested.

”Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are involved in illegal arms fabrication and supply, thereby fueling criminal activities within and beyond state,” he said.

The commissioner also said that investigation was ongoing to uncover other members of the syndicate and trace the distribution network of the recovered weapons.

Muhammad further said that on Feb. 17, operatives intercepted three suspects at Kasuwan Magani following intelligence on an illegal arms transaction.

He said two of the suspects hail from Iburu, while the third was from Kasuwan Magani.

According to him, items recovered from the suspects include one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and one fabricated pump-action gun.

He said the achievements underscored the command’s commitment to proactive and intelligence-driven policing aimed at cutting the supply chain of illegal arms fueling banditry and violent crimes.

He reiterated that the command would not relent in dismantling criminal networks across the state.

”We will continue to strengthen community partnership, enhance intelligence gathering and sustain aggressive operations against all forms of criminality,” he said.

The commissioner expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for leadership and support.

He also appreciated the Kaduna state government for logistics support and commended officers and men of the command for courage and professionalism.

Muhammad further appreciated members of the public for providing credible information to security agencies.

”Together, we shall ensure that Kaduna state remains secure for all law-abiding citizens,” he said.

The Bauchi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it has seized 2,115.8 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and secured 35 convictions within four months.

Hassan Yaqub, the State Commander of the Agency, said this in an interview yesterday in Bauchi.

He attributed the feat to sustained intelligence gathering, professionalism and strategic deployment of personnel across the state.

“Since I took over on Oct. 31, 2025, we have recorded unprecedented arrests and seizures.

“So far, we have seized 2,115.8kg of assorted drugs within Bauchi metropolis and other parts of the state,” he said.

Yaqub explained that within the first three weeks of his assumption to office, the command intercepted over one tonne of illicit substances in a major operation.

He added that another seizure of over one tonne was recorded a few days ago.

According to him, 187 suspects were arrested in connection with drug-related offences during the period under review.

“Most of the suspects have been arraigned in court. We have secured 35 convictions, while about 15 cases are still pending,” he said.

The commander said that no casualty was recorded during the operations, adding that thorough intelligence and careful planning had ensured safe and successful raids.

He said the command currently had about 12 persons undergoing treatment at its facility.

Yaqub clarified that admissions into the rehabilitation centre were voluntary, and initiated by parents or guardians seeking help for their wards.

“We ensure proper documentation in line with human rights provisions. Some clients have been discharged after successful rehabilitation,” he said.

The commander reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ridding the state of drug abuse and trafficking.

He said that enforcement would cut across all segments of society.

Yaqub added that the command had intensified advocacy and sensitisation campaigns in schools, mosques, churches, motor parks and other public places to educate residents on the dangers of drug abuse.

He lamented that the command lacked operational vehicles to carry out its operations, appealing for move vehicles to sustain its operations of curbing the menace of drugs abuse and trafficking.

He assured residents that the agency would continue to operate within the ambit of the law to safeguard communities.