By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa has officially commissioned a fleet of 62 amoured vehicles and security equipment procured by the Sokoto State Government.

The fleet valued at ₦2.

7 billion was handed over to the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to combat banditry in the state.

Speaking while commissioning the military equipment in the state capital, the Minister described the initiative as a decisive, strategic step toward fortifying Nigeria’s internal security architecture.

General Musa commended the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, for his proactive leadership and unwavering commitment to the safety of his citizens. He noted that the substantial investment in security assets underscores the reality that peace is the foundational bedrock of sustainable development.

The Minister emphasised that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government remains resolute in safeguarding lives, restoring peace, and fostering an environment conducive to economic prosperity. He stressed that tackling modern security threats requires aggressive collaboration between federal, state, and local stakeholders.

According to him, the newly deployed combat assets will significantly boost the operational efficiency of security forces in the region by delivering Enhanced Force Protection, Superior Mobility, and Rapid Response Capabilities.

“While modern equipment is essential, it must be driven by professionalism, discipline, and seamless inter-agency coordination. We are deeply appreciative of the Sokoto State Government for complementing conventional military operations with community-based intelligence initiatives. True security is anchored on public trust and timely information,” he added.

Addressing the security personnel deployed to the frontline, the Defence Minister urged them to utilise the new assets with the highest level of responsibility, discipline, and strict adherence to the rule of law. He charged them to justify the massive public investment through selfless service, integrity, and decisive victories over criminal elements.

In a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Defence ministry, Captain Moses Yare on Thursday,  General Musa concluded by reaffirming the total resolve of the Armed Forces to utilise advanced technology and enhanced personnel welfare to build a safer, more prosperous Nigeria where all citizens can pursue their livelihoods without fear.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reinforced the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening security in the South-East, following an operational visit to formations at the Nkwagu Military Cantonment, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The visit conducted on Thursday, 9 July 2026, formed part of ongoing efforts to evaluate troops’ combat readiness, operational effectiveness and welfare, in line with his vision of building a highly professional, adaptive and resilient force capable of addressing contemporary security challenges within a joint and multi-agency framework.

During his interaction with officers and soldiers, Lieutenant General Shaibu commended their dedication, discipline and unwavering commitment to duty. He urged them to remain vigilant, uphold the Constitution and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human rights, while sustaining pressure on all threats to peace and stability in the region.

The COAS also inspected critical operational and welfare facilities, including the Military Hospital and troops’ accommodation, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s resolve to prioritise personnel welfare, healthcare and infrastructure as key drivers of operational efficiency and mission success.

The COAS was briefed on ongoing operations, achievements and administrative requirements. Expressing satisfaction with the progress made, Lieutenant General Shaibu encouraged continued synergy with sister services, other security agencies and host communities to further consolidate peace, enhance stability and promote lasting security across Ebonyi State and the wider South-East.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday passed out over 3,000 newly trained recruits at Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, charging them to uphold the highest standards of discipline, loyalty and professionalism as they commence active military service.

The passing out parade represents a significant reinforcement of the Nigerian Army’s manpower capacity, in line with the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to address the current security challenges and strengthen national defence.

It also follows similar recent recruit graduations at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria and the newly established training depot in Osogbo, Osun State, reflecting a deliberate and sustained expansion of the Army’s force generation capability.

Addressing the recruits, the COAS stated that their rigorous training was carefully structured to prepare them for the realities of modern warfare and Nigeria’s complex security environment. He urged them to remain vigilant, disciplined and mission-oriented, stressing that their loyalty to the Constitution and constituted authority must remain unwavering. He reminded them that the nation has made substantial investments in their training and expects them to justify that trust through courage, professionalism, and selfless service.

Lieutenant General Shaibu described the establishment of the Amasiri-Edda Depot as a strategic step towards enhancing the Nigerian Army’s training infrastructure and manpower development in line with its transformation agenda. He commended the Commandant, instructors, and support staff for their dedication to producing competent and combat-ready soldiers capable of contributing effectively to ongoing operations nationwide.

In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, lauded the Nigerian Army for siting the depot in the state, describing it as a critical national asset that has improved local security, stimulated economic activities and created opportunities for residents of Ebonyi State and neighbouring communities. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the collective pursuit of peace, stability and development.

The ceremony attracted senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, families and other dignitaries. It featured a colourful parade, precision drills and the presentation of awards to outstanding recruits, further underscoring the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a disciplined, professional and combat-ready force capable of decisively addressing emerging security threats.