No Room for Electoral Violence, Army Chief Warns Criminals Ahead of 2027

As the nation sets its sights on the 2027 general elections, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has moved to allay fears of electoral violence by assuring citizens of the North Central region of a secure environment to exercise their civic rights. During his operational tour of Benue State on Tuesday, the COAS emphasized that proactive measures are already being activated to deter criminal actors and prevent any disruption of the democratic process.

“Let there be no misunderstanding: the Nigerian Army is fully committed to the protection of democracy,” Lt Gen Shaibu stated. “We are not waiting for 2027 to arrive before we act. We are working now, today, to ensure that when the time comes, every citizen can cast their vote without intimidation, without fear, and without the shadow of violence hanging over them.”

The COAS stressed that the ongoing military operations across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States are intrinsically linked to the stability of the upcoming elections. He explained that by dismantling armed groups and criminal networks now, the Army is effectively denying spoilers the opportunity to exploit the electoral period for chaos. He assured that security architecture is being reviewed to address potential flashpoints, ensuring that troops are strategically positioned to respond to any threat to the polls. “The ballot box is sacred, and we will defend it with everything we have,” he affirmed.

COAS Strengthens Troops, Logistics to Secure Farming Communities

In a decisive show of force aimed at consolidating peace across the North Central theatre, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu announced a significant enhancement of troop strength and operational capabilities during his visit to Makurdi. The COAS disclosed that an additional battalion has been deployed to reinforce the vulnerable Benue–Taraba axis, a corridor long plagued by criminal activity and attacks on farming communities.

Speaking after a comprehensive assessment of Operation WHIRL STROKE and the 401 Special Forces Brigade, both headquartered in Makurdi, the COAS detailed the expansion of the military’s footprint in the region. “We are increasing troop density along these critical corridors,” he explained. “This is not just about numbers; it is about dominance. We are saturating the area with our presence to ensure that criminals have no breathing space, no hideout, and no opportunity to regroup.”

Beyond manpower, Lt Gen Shaibu highlighted the enhancement of logistics support, surveillance assets, and rapid response capabilities. He noted that the military is leveraging technology and intelligence to stay ahead of emerging threats. The COAS praised the resilience and professionalism of the troops, urging them to maintain the momentum in ongoing clearance and stabilisation efforts. “Your readiness is unquestionable. You have the equipment, the training, and the backing of the Nigerian people. Go out there and dominate,” he charged the troops, reinforcing that the safety of farming communities and the restoration of normalcy remain the Army’s top priorities.

DISU’S APPOINTMENT SIGNALS RENEWED MOMENTUM FOR POLICE REFORM – MOGAJI

The Nigeria Police Force Liaison and Consultant to the United States Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Mogaji Busayo, has congratulated the Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Describing the appointment as timely and strategic, Mr. Busayo stated that IGP Disu’s extensive background in operations and administration aligns with the present needs of the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that the President’s characterization of the IGP as an operational police officer is both a recognition of his field expertise and a clear mandate to strengthen operational readiness nationwide. According to him, this also calls for deeper collaboration between the Force and key stakeholders to enhance efficiency, intelligence-led policing, and public trust.

Mr. Busayo further described the recent inauguration of the State Police Implementation Committee by IGP Disu as a significant step toward structural reform and decentralized operational effectiveness. He said the initiative demonstrates proactive leadership aimed at repositioning the Force to respond more effectively to evolving security challenges.

Recalling previous engagements with the IGP, including collaborative efforts on the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) supported by the United States Government, Mr. Busayo emphasized that reform-driven partnerships remain critical to advancing capacity development, specialized training, modern equipment acquisition, and institutional strengthening.

He reaffirmed his commitment to mobilizing credible local and international partners to support initiatives that will enhance professionalism, accountability, and service delivery across commands, expressing optimism that under IGP Disu’s leadership, the Nigeria Police Force will record measurable progress in reform and operational efficiency.