The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions as part of efforts to enhance national security and promote community resilience across the country.
Lieutenant General Shaibu stated this on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, CFR, at the Emir’s Palace in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Army Chief to express appreciation for the Emirate’s continued support to military operations and security initiatives aimed at tackling emerging threats in the region and across the country.
Speaking during the engagement, the COAS highlighted the importance of civil-military cooperation in addressing contemporary security challenges, noting that traditional rulers remain critical stakeholders in intelligence gathering, community mobilisation and the promotion of peace and stability.
He stressed that effective collaboration between security agencies and traditional institutions is essential in confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality that threaten national development.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also acknowledged the significant role traditional leaders play in fostering unity, strengthening public trust and encouraging communities to support security efforts through timely and credible information sharing.
The Army Chief’s visit underscored the Nigerian Army’s recognition of the strategic importance of traditional institutions in advancing intelligence-driven operations and building resilient communities capable of resisting criminal and extremist influence
The engagement further demonstrated the Army’s determination to sustain partnerships with key community leaders in pursuit of lasting peace, security and stability across the country.
The Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, CFR, is widely regarded as a respected traditional leader whose influence continues to contribute to peacebuilding and community development efforts within the emirate and beyond.
