This was disclosed in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 8 Division, Olaniyi Osoba, on Sunday. “This visit is part of our initial assessment following the safe return of Tidibale residents who were threatened by bandits. The GOC urged residents to support troops with timely intelligence, noting that information sharing was vital for early response and community defence. Community leaders said the insecurity had disrupted farming cycles, the backbone of the local economy, and deepened rural vulnerability. Speaking on behalf of the community, Sarkin Arewa, Alhaji Ibrahim, described the Army chief’s visit as reassuring for residents gradually returning home after months of instability.

Source: Punch January 18, 2026 13:15 UTC