Army Chief Waidi Shaibu praises Monday Okpebholo for supporting military operations and strengthening security across Edo State
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, has commended Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for his administration’s support for the Nigerian Army and its security operations in the state.
Shaibu gave the commendation on Friday, November 6, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Edo State Government House in Benin City, where he met with the governor and members of his entourage.
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According to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the Army chief was in Edo to attend several military engagements and inspect projects aimed at improving the welfare and operational effectiveness of military personnel.
During the meeting, Shaibu expressed appreciation for the state government’s cooperation with the Nigerian Army, acknowledging the importance of sustained partnerships between military authorities and state administrations in addressing security challenges.
He also explained that senior officers recently promoted to the rank of major-general had been encouraged to give back to their communities in recognition of the support and opportunities that contributed to their professional development.
The Army chief subsequently wished Okpebholo a successful tenure and expressed appreciation for his administration’s continued commitment to supporting military activities in Edo.
Responding, Okpebholo expressed delight at receiving Shaibu and his delegation, revealing that he had adjusted his schedule to remain in Benin and personally welcome the military chief despite earlier plans to travel outside the state.
The governor described the Army chief’s attention to Edo’s security concerns as particularly encouraging, pointing to the planned establishment of the Nigerian Army’s 83 Division in the state as an important development.
“I think there is something special between you and Edo, because since you came into office, you have specially paid attention to things about Edo, most especially the 83 Division that is coming to our state,” Okpebholo said.
He added that residents were excited about the proposed military formation, which he believes would strengthen the state’s security architecture and improve the military’s operational presence.
Okpebholo also singled out the brigade commander deployed to Edo, describing his appointment as one of the most significant contributions to the state’s security under the current Army leadership.
“Let me tell you, the best gift that you have given me is the Brigade Commander that you brought to Edo,” the governor said.
He explained that the commander’s presence had brought reassurance to his administration, particularly amid concerns about kidnapping and other security threats that previously affected communities across the state.
“Since I became the governor, his coming is like a comfort to me, because today, nobody is talking about kidnapping in our state,” Okpebholo added.
The governor specifically highlighted improvements in Ekpoma, where residents had previously experienced insecurity severe enough to affect their ability to sleep comfortably and carry out everyday activities.
He said the situation had improved, allowing residents to return to their farms and resume normal activities.
“As I speak to you, Ekpoma is in peace. People can now go to their farms,” he said.
Okpella was another community identified by the governor as having experienced security difficulties, although he maintained that the efforts of the military and other security agencies had helped restore stability.
Okpebholo praised the brigade commander’s commitment to maintaining peace across the state, adding that the military and other security organisations had demonstrated readiness to respond to emerging threats.
He also expressed satisfaction with the working relationship between his administration and the military, assuring Shaibu that the Edo State Government would continue to provide the necessary cooperation.
The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to address kidnapping, violent crime and other threats affecting communities in Edo State, particularly in areas where insecurity has disrupted farming, commercial activities and residents’ daily lives.
The proposed establishment of the Army’s 83 Division is also expected to strengthen the military’s presence in the state, although its operational impact will depend on the eventual deployment of personnel and resources.
For the Edo State Government, the engagement reinforces the importance of cooperation with federal security institutions in tackling local security challenges.
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Both Shaibu and Okpebholo expressed confidence in the partnership, with the governor pledging continued support for the Nigerian Army’s activities in the state.
