The Nigerian Army has deployed troops to the Republic of Benin as part of regional efforts to combat terrorism and transnational crimes across the West African sub-region.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Monday while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja.
Shaibu said the deployment reflected the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening regional security cooperation and enhancing collective responses to emerging threats within neighbouring countries.
According to him, the Army remains committed to fostering intelligence sharing, strategic partnerships, and collaborative security mechanisms aimed at denying criminal and terrorist groups freedom of action across borders.
“The deployment to the Republic of Benin underscores Nigeria’s resolve to strengthen regional security architecture and improve multinational responses to security challenges in the sub-region,” he said.
The COAS stressed that 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 continued support to the Nigerian Army through strategic interventions designed to improve troop welfare, operational capabilities, and infrastructure.
He noted that the Army had sustained efforts toward infrastructure development, equipment modernisation, and enhancement of combat support services to improve operational efficiency.
According to him, the induction of modern platforms, refurbishment of ageing equipment, improved maintenance culture, and indigenous repair initiatives have significantly boosted troops’ mobility, surveillance capability, firepower, and operational sustainability.
The Army chief further disclosed that welfare initiatives had been intensified through the construction and renovation of soldiers’ accommodation, improved healthcare services, prompt medical evacuations, and increased skill allowances for personnel.
Shaibu added that the Nigerian Army would continue to strengthen civil-military cooperation initiatives aimed at promoting peace, addressing humanitarian challenges, and supporting socio-economic development in host communities.
He urged participants at the conference to remain innovative and solution-driven 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.
By Zagazola Makama
