The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu has assured that the Nigerian Army will continue to pursue both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to improve security across the country.
Shaibu stated this during the inauguration of a 36-classroom Government Day Girls’ Secondary School upgraded by Maj.-Gen. Mamman Galadima, under the Army’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation project in Maradun, Zamfara, on Thursday.
“I reaffirm that under my leadership, the Nigerian Army will continue to pursue both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations in collaboration with other security agencies and well-meaning citizens to improve the security situation across the country,” Shaibu said.
He added, “The relationship between the people and the Army must be collaborative because the people need the Army, and the Army cannot make the desired impact without the people.
“Therefore, I urge Nigerians to maintain their trust in the Army and not to relent in their support for our efforts.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Shaibu was represented at the event by Maj.-Gen. WB Idris, Commander, Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North West, Operation PANSAYAN YAMMA (OPYA), Gusau, Zamfara.
Speaking on the project, Shaibu said: “Today, we recognise and honour the meritorious and unblemished service of Maj.-Gen. Mamman Galadima, through the inauguration of this project.
“The idea of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects was borne out of the need to support communities of Nigerian Army senior officers who, through dedication, diligence and service to the nation, have attained the enviable rank of Maj.-Gen.
“I am glad that today, Zamfara is privileged to have a highly respected senior officer of the Nigerian Army in the person of Maj.-Gen. Mamman Galadima.”
According to Shaibu, the Nigerian Army recognises the people as critical partners in progress.
“Our projects are therefore carefully conceptualised and executed in consultation with the benefiting communities. All such projects are designed to complement the efforts of the states by providing top-notch basic amenities and infrastructure to enhance the quality of life and well-being of the benefitting communities.
“Our projects ultimately serve as a gesture of appreciation to the communities of benefitting senior officers for giving the nation some of its finest individuals to serve in the Nigerian Army,” he said.
Shaibu added that the projects also serve the strategic purpose of encouraging communities to maintain their support for Army operations and other endeavours.
“The Civil-Military Cooperation Projects have significantly contributed to our non-kinetic efforts at managing the country’s security challenges, and I am glad to note that our experiences have been positive so far.
“The renovation and rehabilitation of Government Day Secondary School, which has just been commissioned, is certainly a very viable and well-thought-out initiative. It is envisaged that this project will have a lasting impact on the educational well-being of the indigents and other residents of this community.
“I therefore commend Major General Galadima for a job well done and for the love he has always shown for his people,” Shaibu said.
He thanked the government and people of Zamfara, especially the residents of Maradun, for always supporting the Nigerian Army. Shaibu, however, urged the people to continue providing timely and useful information to assist security agencies in creating a safe environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
He assured that the Army would continue to work with all levels of government to resolve security challenges across the country.
Earlier, Galadima said security extended beyond the battlefield, encompassing the welfare and development of the people the Nigerian Army serves.
“This project was beyond just cutting a ribbon or unveiling a plaque. It celebrates the rebirth of an institution and rekindles hope, reaffirming the collective commitment to the future of the girl child in Maradun and Zamfara,” he said.
Meanwhile, the school principal, Mrs Suwaiba Nafaru, expressed appreciation to Shaibu, Galadima, the Zamfara State Government, and the Maradun Emirate for their support.
She described the project as the first community-driven educational intervention of such magnitude in recent memory, executed by Galadima out of genuine love, commitment, and responsibility to his people.
NAN reports that Galadima announced a donation of N2 million in addition to hundreds of thousands of exercise books for the school.
The renovation included classrooms and staff offices, while the school’s borehole was upgraded with solar power and water filters for the community’s use.
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