Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, says the Nigerian Army has deployed troops to Benin Republic as part of efforts to combat terrorism and cross-border crimes in the West African sub-region.
Speaking at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Abuja, Shaibu said the military remains committed to intelligence sharing, strategic partnerships, and joint operations aimed at denying criminal and terrorist groups freedom of movement within Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
According to the army chief, the deployment highlights Nigeria’s determination to strengthen regional security cooperation and improve collective responses to emerging threats across West Africa.
Shaibu said commanders must remain adaptive, mission-driven, and committed to inter-agency and multinational collaboration in ongoing security operations.
He also praised President Bola Tinubu for supporting the Nigerian Army through interventions focused on personnel welfare, infrastructure, and operational capacity.
The COAS said the army has prioritised infrastructure upgrades, equipment modernisation, and improved combat support services to boost operational effectiveness and troop welfare.
Shaibu added that refurbished equipment, improved accommodation, healthcare services, medical evacuations, and increased allowances have enhanced troop morale and efficiency.
He said the army would continue strengthening civil-military relations to promote peace, address humanitarian concerns, and support socio-economic growth in host communities.
The army chief urged participants at the conference to remain innovative and solution-driven in confronting evolving security challenges and preparing the force for future warfare realities.
Last December, the senate approved Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to Benin Republic as part of a regional peace-stabilisation mission aimed at safeguarding democratic institutions and preventing an “unconstitutional seizure” of power.
The approval followed the intervention of Nigerian Air Force and ground troops in foiling a coup attempt in the neighbouring country.