Army chief pledges deeper ties with traditional leaders to bolster national security

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has visited His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, at his palace in Sokoto State on Friday, December 26, underscoring the Nigerian Army’s push to enhance civil-military relations.

The statement from the Nigerian Army on Saturday described the courtesy call as a key step in “strengthening civil–military relations and fostering collaboration with traditional institutions in support of national unity, peace and security.”

During the meeting, General Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s dedication to partnering with community leaders.

He emphasised the resolve “to work closely with community leaders to promote stability and coexistence across the country.”

The Sultan praised the military’s ongoing contributions, commending “the Nigerian Army for its sacrifices and continued efforts in safeguarding lives and property,” while offering prayers “for sustained success in its constitutional responsibilities.”