Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu has urged the support of traditional leaders in the fight against insecurity in the country.

He spoke during a visit to the palace of traditional leaders in Benue as part of a strategic operational tour of the state and the wider North Central theatre.

Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the visit underscored a renewed, coordinated resolve by the

Nigerian Army to decisively flush out criminal elements destabilising Benue and contiguous states.

During the engagement, the COAS reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to dismantling armed groups and criminal networks threatening lives and livelihoods across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states.

He disclosed that the tour included a comprehensive assessment of Operation WHIRL STROKE and the 401 Special Forces Brigade, both headquartered in Makurdi, with a view to recalibrating ongoing operations for enhanced impact.

Shaibu emphasised that beyond kinetic operations, the support of traditional institutions remains pivotal to achieving sustainable peace.

He called on the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo, and other traditional rulers across the state to lend their moral authority and grassroots influence toward mobilising communities against criminality.

MEANWHILE, the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has commenced an investigation into a viral video on social media showing a disciplinary action taken against a female student at Command Secondary School, Ipaja, Lagos.

The incident occurred on February 26 during a routine classroom inspection aimed at enforcing school regulations.

Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations of the Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, stated that preliminary findings indicated that the student was improperly dressed and had handed over her shoes to a classmate before the inspection. She was also found to have made a caricature of the inspecting officer.

The Nigerian Army expressed concern over the incident and promised that the matter is being taken seriously.

According to him, the affected officer is currently being investigated, and a comprehensive review of the circumstances is ongoing.

“The Division prioritises the welfare, safety, and dignity of students in its schools and assures the public that it is committed to maintaining a safe and disciplined learning environment,” he added.