By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to supporting civil authorities in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen internal security and manpower development across the country.
This assurance was given on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, when the COAS received the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the Ebonyi State Government for its sustained cooperation and support to the Nigerian Army, describing the partnership as critical to enhancing security and operational effectiveness.
The COAS noted that the establishment of the Nigerian Army Depot in Ebonyi State would significantly boost manpower training and capacity development, while also improving the Army’s overall operational readiness. He further disclosed that the passing-out ceremony of recruits trained at the depot would be held in Abakaliki, underscoring the growing strategic importance of Ebonyi State to the Nigerian Army.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the Ebonyi State Government to intensify public sensitisation efforts, particularly in encouraging citizens to provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies. He emphasised that community cooperation remains vital in addressing security challenges nationwide.
The COAS also called on the Governor to motivate eligible youths from Ebonyi State to enlist in the Nigerian Army, adding that increased youth participation would further strengthen national security. He appealed for similar advocacy among governors across the South East to promote wider regional participation in military service.
In his remarks, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru congratulated Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff and praised the Nigerian Army for its consistent support to internal security operations in Ebonyi State.
The Governor described the establishment of the Nigerian Army Depot in the state as a strategic intervention that has enhanced security and improved operational readiness. He noted that Ebonyi State has remained free from incidents of kidnapping and “sit-at-home” disruptions, attributing the prevailing peace and stability to the professionalism and proactive conduct of Nigerian Army personnel.
Governor Nwifuru further appealed for the completion of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Abakaliki, stressing that the facility would serve not only Ebonyi State but also neighbouring states in the South East and South South regions.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Nigerian Army in the collective pursuit of lasting peace, security and development.
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