The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has declared an unbreakable alliance between the Nigerian Army and the Taraba State Government in a renewed, all-out push against terrorism and other forms of insecurity.

Shaibu gave the declaration when he received the Governor of Taraba State, Col. Agbu Kefas (rtd), alongside federal lawmakers and members of the Executive Council of the International Institute for African Ispense Security and Governance at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

A statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, said that the army chief stressed that the Nigerian Army remain resolute in its constitutional mandate to support civil authorities in the maintenance of peace and security.

The army chief noted that Taraba State occupies a strategic position within the nation’s security architecture, given its terrain and security dynamics.

Shaibu commended Governor Kefas for his decisive leadership and effective coordination with security agencies, describing the state government’s support, particularly the donation of land and provision of operational equipment, as critical force multipliers that have significantly enhanced the tempo, reach, and effectiveness of military operations in the region.

He emphasised that sustainable peace could only be achieved through strong civil-military collaboration, appealing for continued partnership and specifically requesting support in providing stable electricity to the 20 Model Battalion, Sarti and 23 Battalion.

The COAS noted that improved power supply would directly enhance operational efficiency, combat readiness and troop welfare.

He called for intensified public sensitisation across Taraba State, urging citizens to actively support security operations by providing timely, credible intelligence.
“Community cooperation remains a decisive weapon in defeating terrorists and other criminal elements.”

Earlier, Governor Kefas described the visit as a demonstration of Taraba State’s relentless solidarity with the Nigerian Army.

Kefas congratulated Shaibu on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff and commended the professionalism, resilience, and sacrifices of Nigerian Army personnel, noting that their sustained presence has resulted in visible and measurable improvements in the state’s security environment.

The governor also applauded the strong inter-agency cooperation among security agencies operating in the state and highlighted areas requiring reinforced military presence.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to deepening support for the Nigerian Army, including assistance with accommodation for deployed troops, as both parties reaffirmed their resolve to sustain a united, steel-hard front against insecurity.

In other news, Governor Kefas has entered into a strategic partnership with the World Bank through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project to upgrade the Jalingo Ultra-Modern Abattoir to full automation.

When completed, the facility, according to the state government and the National Coordinator of the L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, will become the first fully automated abattoir in Nigeria’s North-East region, marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of the livestock and meat processing sector.

According to them, the project is designed to improve hygiene standards, expand processing capacity, enhance efficiency along the livestock value chain, and create employment opportunities for residents.

They noted that it is also expected to boost food safety, attract private sector investment, and position the state as a regional hub for livestock production and meat processing.