By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s strategic leadership in regional peace and security, stating that the stability currently enjoyed by the Republic of Liberia is a direct result of deliberate governmental resolve, African solidarity, and the sacrifices of the Nigerian Army.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS made this known on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia. He attended the event as Special Guest of Honour during activities marking the 69th Armed Forces Day Anniversary of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasised that Nigeria’s intervention in Liberia during its civil conflict was a conscious foreign and defence policy decision undertaken in the collective interest of West African stability. He noted that under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), Nigerian troops formed the backbone of peace enforcement operations, bearing the heaviest operational responsibilities and recording significant casualties to prevent state collapse, restore law and order, and preserve Liberia’s sovereignty.
He said the Federal Government of Nigeria demonstrated exceptional leadership by committing troops, resources, and political will over an extended period, laying the foundation for national reconciliation, democratic transition, and post-conflict reconstruction in Liberia.
Speaking at a dinner held in his honour, the COAS also reflected on his personal involvement in the early stages of rebuilding the Armed Forces of Liberia. He recalled serving alongside the late Major General Suraj Alawo Abdurrahman, then Chief of Staff of the AFL, and other regional partners in what he described as a complex “aircraft-in-flight” reform process—rebuilding the force while it remained operational. He expressed satisfaction that officers mentored during that formative period now occupy key leadership positions, describing the AFL as a testament to sustained international partnership and adherence to core military values.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the AFL to uphold its ethos of sacrifice, professionalism, and loyalty to constitutional authority. He assured that Nigeria would continue to provide advisory and capacity-building support to strengthen Liberia’s stability and regional peace. He added that Nigeria played a central role in mentoring, training, and professionally reorienting the force, contributing to its transformation into a disciplined and democratically accountable institution recognised as “A Force for Good.”
Addressing the theme of the celebration, “Securing Liberia Together: Strengthening Inter-Agency Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking and Emerging Security Threats,” the COAS warned that contemporary threats such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, maritime insecurity, and organised criminal networks have evolved into strategic security challenges capable of undermining state authority and regional stability.
He noted that the proliferation of synthetic drugs poses a serious national security threat with implications for youth development, economic resilience, and internal stability. He therefore advocated stronger inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, enhanced legal frameworks, and deeper regional cooperation as essential pillars of effective security governance.
Drawing from Nigeria’s operational experience, the COAS highlighted the effectiveness of the Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach, where the Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies operate within unified command structures to improve operational efficiency and strategic outcomes. He encouraged Liberia to sustain and deepen this model in tackling both current and emerging threats.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia for their professionalism and loyalty to constitutional authority, describing them as stabilising forces and guardians of Liberia’s democracy. He reaffirmed that Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains a dependable strategic partner to Liberia and the ECOWAS sub-region, committed to sustained defence cooperation and collective responses to transnational security threats.
He congratulated the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, the AFL High Command, and the Liberian people on the occasion of the 69th Armed Forces Day, expressing confidence that the AFL would continue to consolidate professionalism and operational effectiveness in service of national stability and regional peace.
In recognition of Nigeria’s enduring contributions to Liberia’s peace and security architecture, two senior Nigerian Army officers, Brigadier General Mohammed Sani Usman and Brigadier General Owoicho Egiga, were decorated with the Distinguished Service Order of Liberia. The awards were conferred in honour of their meritorious service and invaluable contributions to the Armed Forces of Liberia, further symbolising the strong defence partnership between the two nations.
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