Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Plateau State Government has commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for establishing additional Nigerian Army formations and units in vulnerable communities across the state, describing the move as a timely intervention to strengthen security and consolidate the prevailing peace.
The Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, saying the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo, conveyed the commendation during a courtesy visit to the COAS in Jos.
Anele said the Deputy Governor particularly applauded the establishment of the 24 Armour Brigade in Langtang and its component units in Mangu, Wase and Shendam.
According to her, Piyo said the strategic positioning of the new formations would enhance security coverage and improve the ability of troops to respond swiftly to threats in vulnerable communities.
Anele quoted the Deputy Governor as saying the initiative demonstrated the commitment of the Nigerian Army under Lieutenant General Shaibu to bringing security closer to the people and denying criminal elements freedom of action.
Piyo, according to Anele, expressed optimism that the increased military presence would boost public confidence, strengthen early response to security threats and contribute significantly to sustaining peace across Plateau State.
The Acting Director Army Public Relations said the Deputy Governor, while appreciating the Army’s intervention, requested the deployment of additional personnel and equipment to fully operationalise the newly established units and further strengthen security across the state.
She said Piyo also assured the COAS that the Plateau State Government was ready to provide accommodation and other necessary support to facilitate the deployment and effective functioning of troops.
Anele said Lieutenant General Shaibu, in his response, disclosed that additional troops, including another battalion, would be deployed to Plateau State to reinforce existing formations and improve the Army’s capacity to respond to current and emerging security challenges.
The COAS also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the recruitment of an additional 20,000 personnel to strengthen newly established formations and units and enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army nationwide.
According to Anele, Shaibu explained that the expansion of the Army’s presence in Plateau was aimed at improving operational reach, enhancing responsiveness and providing greater security for vulnerable communities.
The COAS also called on relevant stakeholders and the private sector to complement Federal Government efforts by supporting initiatives that would improve the effectiveness and sustainability of security operations.
Anele said Shaibu further emphasised that lasting peace could only be achieved through the collective commitment of government, security agencies, traditional and community leaders, as well as citizens.
He therefore urged residents of Plateau State to continue supporting troops with credible information while embracing dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The Acting Director Army Public Relations said the COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to working with the Plateau State Government, other security agencies and communities to consolidate the gains already recorded.
She added that the Army’s efforts were ultimately geared towards creating a secure environment where economic activities, investment and sustainable development could thrive across the state.
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