By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the Nigerian Army will deploy additional troops, including another battalion, to Plateau to reinforce security operations and strengthen protection of vulnerable communities.

Shaibu disclosed this on Tuesday when the Deputy Governor of Plateau, Mrs Ngo Piyo, visited him in Jos.

Shaibu said President Bola Tinubu had also approved the recruitment of an additional 20,000 personnel to strengthen newly established Army formations and units nationwide.

He said the additional personnel would enhance the Army’s operational capacity and improve its reach and responsiveness to emerging security threats.

The COAS said the expansion of the Army’s presence in Plateau was aimed at bringing security closer to vulnerable communities and denying criminal elements freedom of action.

Shaibu called on relevant stakeholders and the private sector to support Federal Government efforts aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of security operations.

He also stressed that lasting peace required the collective commitment of government, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and citizens.

The COAS urged Plateau residents to provide troops with credible information and embrace dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to working with the state government, security agencies and communities to consolidate security gains.

Shaibu said the objective was to create a secure environment conducive to economic activities, investment and sustainable development.

In her remarks, Piyo commended Shaibu for establishing additional Army formations and units in vulnerable areas of the state.

She particularly applauded the establishment of 24 Armour Brigade in Langtang and its component units in Mangu, Wase and Shendam.

The deputy governor said the new formations would improve security coverage, strengthen troops’ response capacity and reassure communities across the state.

She said the initiative demonstrated the Army’s commitment to consolidating the prevailing peace and strengthening public confidence in the security architecture.

Piyo, however, requested additional personnel and equipment to fully operationalise the newly established formations and further enhance security across the state.

She assured the COAS that the state government would provide accommodation and other necessary support to facilitate effective deployment of troops. (NAN)