In a significant move underscoring the evolving nature of counter-insurgency strategy, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has formally sought to deepen the alliance between the military and Nigeria’s traditional institutions. During a pivotal visit to the palace of Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers in Bida, the Army Chief emphasized that defeating insecurity requires more than just firepower—it demands trust, local intelligence, and community partnership.
The visit, as detailed in a statement by the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, was not merely ceremonial. It was part of a comprehensive, on-the-spot assessment of military deployments across Niger State. This proactive review aims to identify operational gaps and determine where reinforcements are needed to effectively respond to emerging asymmetric threats. “We are reviewing the security situation on ground to see where we need to reinforce deployments and close existing gaps,” Gen. Shaibu stated, highlighting a shift towards a more dynamic and responsive force posture.
At the heart of this strategy is a renewed focus on intelligence-driven operations. The COAS explicitly noted that traditional rulers are critical partners in providing timely, actionable, community-based intelligence. This is a crucial insight. While modern technology provides eyes in the sky, the granular, human intelligence about strange movements, local grievances, or hidden supply chains often resides within the community, accessible through trusted figures like the Etsu Nupe. This partnership model recognizes that security is a collective responsibility, bridging the gap between formal state structures and informal community networks.
To complement this human intelligence network, the Nigerian Army is simultaneously scaling up its use of modern surveillance and operational technologies. This dual-track approach—marrying grassroots intelligence with technological prowess—is designed to improve response times, enhance situational awareness, and strengthen overall operational effectiveness. The goal is to create a security architecture where a tip from a local leader can be rapidly verified and acted upon using aerial surveillance or other tech assets, leading to more precise and effective interventions.
In his response, the Etsu Nupe assured the Army Chief of the continued and unwavering support of the traditional institution. He pledged sustained community cooperation, proactive intelligence sharing, and even prayers for the success of military operations. Notably, he praised the professionalism and discipline of the Army personnel in his domain, acknowledging their positive engagement with locals. This mutual respect is foundational; it helps mitigate the friction that can sometimes exist between security forces and civilians in conflict zones, fostering an environment where citizens see the army as protectors rather than an occupying force.
This high-level engagement in Niger State serves as a potential blueprint for national security strategy. By reaffirming the army’s commitment to work closely with state governments, traditional rulers, and local communities, Gen. Shaibu is championing a whole-of-society approach to security. The fight against banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency cannot be won in isolation. Lasting peace will be built not just on battlefield victories, but on the strength of alliances forged in palaces like that of the Etsu Nupe, where community trust and state authority converge for the common good.
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
