The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed personnel of 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) to maintain sustained pressure on criminal groups and support initiatives aimed at deepening peace, security and stability in Plateau State and neighbouring areas.
A statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Affairs, Colonel Appolonia Anele said Lieutenant General Shaibu issued the directive on Monday 14 September 2026 during his operational visit to the headquarters of 3 Division and OPEP. The visit provided an opportunity for him to review the security environment, ongoing operations and measures adopted to safeguard vulnerable communities and consolidate progress made through the peace process.
In line with the Nigerian Army’s drive to modernize its capabilities and improve responses to evolving threats, the COAS inspected the ongoing construction of the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Control Station. Upon completion and activation, the facility is expected to improve the Army’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capacity, enhance real-time awareness of the operational environment and provide commanders with timely intelligence for sound decision-making.
During the engagement, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander OPEP, Major General Maxwell Dangana, briefed the COAS on developments within the Division’s Area of Responsibility. He outlined current operations, security arrangements and consultations with key stakeholders designed to prevent violence, protect residents and promote sustainable peace.
The COAS praised the troops for their courage, professionalism and commitment to duty in securing the area. He encouraged them to remain alert, disciplined and prepared for operations, while strengthening cooperation with other security agencies, traditional authorities, community leaders and other partners involved in the peace process.
He emphasized that military action must work alongside dialogue, reconciliation and other peace-building measures to prevent criminal actors from reversing the gains recorded so far. He consequently instructed the troops to respond firmly to threats while upholding professional standards and respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.
Lieutenant General Shaibu assured the troops that the Nigerian Army would continue to provide the support necessary for them to fulfil their constitutional duties. He also reiterated the Army’s determination to protect lives and property and help create an environment in which communities can live together peacefully and pursue their lawful livelihoods without fear.
The COAS urged residents to continue providing troops and other security agencies with prompt and reliable information, noting that enduring peace on the Plateau depends on the shared responsibility of security agencies, government institutions, traditional authorities, community leaders and citizens.
