The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has declared that the Nigerian Army will launch a “massive” new wave of troop deployments to stem the rising tide of terrorist attacks across Niger State and the rest of the federation.
Swift Response to Kabe Market Slaughter
Speaking on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Doctrine and Training Command (TRADOC)in Minna, the Army Chief addressed the escalating insecurity that marred the start of the year. His comments follow a horrific weekend attack in the Kabe District of Niger State, where gunmen murdered over 40 people and abducted dozens in a brazen market raid.
Speaking on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Doctrine and Training Command (TRADOC)in Minna, the Army Chief addressed the escalating insecurity that marred the start of the year. His comments follow a horrific weekend attack in the Kabe District of Niger State, where gunmen murdered over 40 people and abducted dozens in a brazen market raid.
“We will massively do more deployments across the country,” Lt.-Gen. Shaibu stated. “The President has directed that we ensure the recent waves of attacks in Niger and other parts of the country are curtailed. We will ensure all terrorists behind these dastardly attacks are apprehended and brought to book.”
Leveraging Tech for 2026 Operations
The COAS emphasized that the Nigerian Army is moving toward a more sophisticated, technology-driven approach to combat the complex operational environment of 2026. He noted that the military is currently reviewing its 2025 gains to create a “more robust” training and operational framework for the current year.
The COAS emphasized that the Nigerian Army is moving toward a more sophisticated, technology-driven approach to combat the complex operational environment of 2026. He noted that the military is currently reviewing its 2025 gains to create a “more robust” training and operational framework for the current year.
The 2026 Doctrine and Training Conference
The Minna conference serves as the intellectual launchpad for the Army’s 2026 strategy. Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla, Commander of TRADOC, noted that the current security climate demands an army that is “agile, forward-looking, and doctrinally grounded.”
The Minna conference serves as the intellectual launchpad for the Army’s 2026 strategy. Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla, Commander of TRADOC, noted that the current security climate demands an army that is “agile, forward-looking, and doctrinally grounded.”
The conference aims to:
- Review Field Feedback: Analyze real-time data from 2025 operations to refine 2026 tactics.
- Position Training Institutions: Align military schools with modern warfare requirements.
- Implement Presidential Directives:Execute President Bola Tinubu’s mandate for a decisive end to banditry and terrorism.
The Army Chief reassured law-abiding citizens that the military remains committed to making Nigeria safer, promising that the perpetrators of recent killings in the North-West and North-Central regions will find no hiding place.