The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated Nigeria’s strategic leadership in regional peace and security, highlighting that Liberia’s stability is a product of Nigeria’s sacrifice and African solidarity.
Shaibu made the remarks on Wednesday during the 69th Armed Forces Day Anniversary of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia, where he was the Special Guest of Honour.
According to a statement by Col. Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the COAS recalled Nigeria’s intervention during Liberia’s civil conflict under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), noting that Nigerian troops bore the heaviest operational burden in the peace enforcement mission.
He described Nigeria’s commitment of troops, resources, and political will as foundational to Liberia’s reconciliation, democratic transition, and post-conflict reconstruction. Shaibu also reflected on Nigeria’s role in rebuilding the AFL, likening the reform process to “repairing an aircraft in flight,” and expressed satisfaction that officers mentored during that period now occupy key leadership positions.
The COAS urged the AFL to maintain professionalism, loyalty, and dedication to constitutional authority, assuring that Nigeria would continue to provide advisory and capacity-building support. He emphasized that the Nigeria-Liberia defence partnership is rooted in shared sacrifice and strategic trust forged during adversity.
Speaking on the event theme, “Securing Liberia Together: Strengthening Inter-Agency Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking and Emerging Security Threats,” Shaibu warned that drug trafficking, cybercrime, and organised criminal networks threaten regional stability. He advocated intelligence-led operations, legal reforms, and stronger inter-agency and regional cooperation to counter evolving security challenges, drawing on Nigeria’s Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach.
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 awarded the Distinguished Service Order of Liberia.
Shaibu concluded by congratulating the President and Commander-in-Chief of the AFL, the Liberian High Command, and the Liberian people on the anniversary celebration.