By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s strategic leadership in regional peace and security, saying Liberia’s stability remains a product of Nigeria’s sacrifice and African solidarity.
Shaibu made the remarks on Wednesday at the 69th Armed Forces Day Anniversary of the Armed Forces of Liberia held at the Barclay Training Center, Monrovia, where he attended as Special Guest of Honour.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Wednesday.
He said Nigeria’s intervention in Liberia during its civil conflict was a deliberate foreign and defence policy decision aimed at safeguarding West African stability.
The COAS recalled Nigeria’s pivotal role under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), noting that Nigerian troops formed the backbone of the peace enforcement mission and bore the heaviest operational burden.
According to him, the Federal Government committed troops, resources and political will over an extended period, laying the foundation for Liberia’s reconciliation, democratic transition and post-conflict reconstruction.
Shaibu also reflected on Nigeria’s role in rebuilding the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), recalling his involvement alongside the late Maj.-Gen. Suraj Alawo Abdurrahman during the early reform phase.
He described the rebuilding process as complex, likening it to “repairing an aircraft in flight,” while expressing satisfaction that officers mentored during that period now occupy key leadership positions.
The army chief urged the AFL to uphold professionalism, sacrifice and loyalty to constitutional authority, assuring that Nigeria would continue to provide advisory and capacity-building support.
He said the Nigeria-Liberia defence partnership was anchored on shared sacrifice and strategic trust forged in adversity.
Addressing the theme of the celebration, “Securing Liberia Together: Strengthening Inter-Agency Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking and Emerging Security Threats,” Shaibu warned that drug trafficking, cybercrime and organised criminal networks posed serious threats to regional stability.
He advocated stronger inter-agency synergy, intelligence-led operations, legal reforms and enhanced regional cooperation to counter evolving security challenges.
Drawing from Nigeria’s experience, he emphasised the effectiveness of the Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach in tackling insecurity.
Shaibu congratulated the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, the AFL High Command and the Liberian people on the anniversary celebration.
In recognition of Nigeria’s contributions to Liberia’s peace architecture, two Nigerian Army officers, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Usman and Brig.-Gen. Owoicho Egiga, were decorated with the Distinguished Service Order of Liberia. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
