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Photo of the COAS at the Barclay Training Center, Monrovia giving a speech Photo credit:Nigerian Army Info
•1 min read

COAS underscores Nigeria’s enduring security partnership with Liberia, reaffirms regional leadership role Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has highlighted the country’s longstanding commitment to peace and stability in West Africa, describing Liberia’s post-conflict progress as a product of collective African responsibility and Nigeria’s sustained intervention. The Army Chief spoke in Monrovia on 11 February 2026 at the 69th Armed Forces Day celebration of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), held at the Barclay Training Center, where he attended as Special Guest of Honour. He maintained that Nigeria’s involvement during Liberia’s civil war years was a strategic decision rooted in regional security priorities and a shared West African destiny. According to him, Nigerian forces played a decisive role in stabilising Liberia under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group, committing personnel and resources over several years to prevent further breakdown of order. He noted that the sacrifices made by Nigerian troops helped create the conditions necessary for Liberia’s democratic recovery and institutional rebuilding. Lieutenant General Shaibu also reflected on Nigeria’s contribution to restructuring Liberia’s military after the conflict. Speaking at a reception organised in his honour, he recalled participating in early reform efforts aimed at rebuilding the AFL into a professional and accountable force. He expressed pride that many officers who were trained and mentored during that period now serve in senior leadership roles, describing the AFL as a symbol of successful regional cooperation. He encouraged the Liberian military to preserve its professional standards and remain firmly committed to constitutional authority, assuring that Nigeria would continue to support capacity development and defence collaboration initiatives. Addressing emerging security concerns, the COAS warned that threats such as drug trafficking, cyber-related crimes, maritime insecurity and organised criminal networks have become increasingly complex and interconnected. He stressed that the rise in synthetic drug circulation poses serious implications for national development and internal stability, particularly among young people. He advocated stronger collaboration among security agencies, improved intelligence sharing and reinforced regional partnerships to effectively tackle evolving threats. Drawing from Nigeria’s security framework, he cited the benefits of coordinated inter-agency structures designed to enhance operational outcomes. Lieutenant General Shaibu commended members of the Armed Forces of Liberia for their discipline and dedication, describing them as vital to sustaining peace and democratic governance. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen defence cooperation with Liberia and other ECOWAS nations in addressing shared security challenges. As part of the ceremony, two senior Nigerian Army officers, Brigadier General Mohammed Sani Usman and Brigadier General Owoicho Egiga, were conferred with the Distinguished Service Order of Liberia in recognition of their contributions to strengthening bilateral military relations.

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has highlighted the country’s longstanding commitment to peace and stability in West Africa, describing Liberia’s post-conflict progress...

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