Odita Sunday 
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the strategic importance of military operations on the Plateau, warning that success or failure in the theatre has direct implications for Nigeria’s national stability.
According to the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief gave the charge on Monday, 19 January 2026, during an operational visit to the Headquarters of 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Jos, where he addressed officers and soldiers on discipline, professionalism and the gravity of their assignment.
Anele said Lieutenant General Shaibu reminded the troops that their conduct and performance must reflect the core values of the Nigerian Army, stressing that discipline remains the foundation of military effectiveness. “Service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary and anchored on the noble responsibility of defending the nation’s territorial integrity,” the COAS stated.
The Army Chief disclosed that he had received detailed briefings from the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division, on the operational environment and welfare concerns affecting personnel, assuring the troops that the most pressing challenges had already been addressed.
According to Anele, Shaibu reaffirmed the commitment of Army Headquarters to ensuring that troops are adequately equipped for the task ahead. “Army Headquarters is providing the necessary combat enablers to ensure personnel are adequately equipped to carry out their responsibilities effectively,” he said.
He further assured the soldiers that their wellbeing remains paramount. “The welfare of our troops remains a top priority. We will continue to provide the enabling environment for you to do your job properly,” the COAS assured.
The Army Chief also directed young soldiers to strictly observe the chain of command and draw guidance from senior officers, noting that leadership and mentorship are essential to building professionalism and sustaining career growth within the service.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further emphasised the importance of physical fitness and mental alertness, explaining that deliberate measures have been put in place to prepare personnel for the demanding nature of military operations, particularly in complex internal security environments like Plateau State.
Highlighting leadership responsibilities, the COAS described Senior Non-Commissioned Officers as the critical link between officers and soldiers, urging them to provide effective middle-level leadership and guidance capable of sustaining morale and operational discipline.
On the security situation in Plateau State, the Army Chief described the operational environment as unique, assuring troops that Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) is being properly guided and supported to deliver on its mandate. He stressed that the Army remains fully committed to restoring lasting peace in the state.
He also encouraged officers and soldiers to channel grievances and operational concerns through the appropriate chain of command, assuring them that such issues would receive prompt attention at the highest levels.
According to Anele, Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed that the sacrifices of troops are recognised and appreciated by the nation. He urged them to remain proud of their service and to discharge their duties with honour, professionalism and in line with global best practices.
As part of efforts to further improve troop welfare, the COAS commissioned two blocks of 30 flats for Non-Commissioned Officers and a separate residential accommodation block for officers at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, reinforcing the Army’s resolve to enhance living conditions for personnel.
Anele noted that the visit and welfare projects reflect the Army leadership’s understanding that operational success, particularly on the Plateau, is closely tied to troop morale, discipline and sustained institutional support.
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