COAS Reaffirms Nigeria’s Strategic Security Leadership in West Africa
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s strategic leadership in regional peace and security, stating that Liberia’s present stability stands as a testament to deliberate governmental resolve, African solidarity, and the sacrifices of the Nigerian Army.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made this known on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia, where he attended as Special Guest of Honour during the 69th Armed Forces Day Anniversary of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
He emphasised that Nigeria’s intervention during Liberia’s civil conflict was a conscious foreign and defence policy decision taken in the collective interest of West African stability, rather than an incidental or transactional engagement.
Recalling Nigeria’s central role under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), the COAS noted that Nigerian troops formed the backbone of peace enforcement operations, shouldering the heaviest operational responsibilities and recording significant casualties in efforts to halt state collapse, restore order, and preserve Liberia’s sovereignty.
According to him, Nigeria’s sustained commitment of troops, resources, and political will laid the foundation for Liberia’s national reconciliation, democratic transition, and post-conflict reconstruction.
Reflecting further during a dinner held in his honour, Lieutenant General Shaibu recounted his personal involvement in rebuilding the Armed Forces of Liberia. He recalled working alongside the late Major General Suraj Alawo Abdurrahman and other regional partners in what he described as a complex “Aircraft-in-Flight” reform process — rebuilding the military while it remained operational.
He expressed satisfaction that officers mentored during that formative period now occupy key leadership positions, describing the AFL as a shining example of sustained international partnership, regional cooperation, and adherence to professional military values.
The COAS urged the AFL to safeguard its ethos of sacrifice, professionalism, and loyalty to constitutional authority, assuring that Nigeria would continue to provide advisory and capacity-building support to strengthen Liberia’s stability and regional peace.
Addressing the theme of the celebration, “Securing Liberia Together: Strengthening Inter-Agency Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking and Emerging Security Threats,” the COAS warned that evolving threats — including drug trafficking, cybercrime, maritime insecurity, and organised criminal networks — now pose significant risks to state authority and regional stability.
He described the proliferation of synthetic drugs as a critical national security challenge with direct implications for youth development, economic resilience, and internal stability. He therefore advocated enhanced inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-led operations, stronger legal frameworks, and deeper regional cooperation as key pillars of effective security governance.
Drawing from Nigeria’s experience, Lieutenant General Shaibu highlighted the effectiveness of the “Whole of Government” and “Whole of Society” approach, where security agencies operate under unified command structures to improve operational efficiency and strategic outcomes. He encouraged Liberia to sustain and strengthen this model in addressing emerging security threats.
He commended the officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia for their discipline and loyalty, describing them as guardians of Liberia’s democracy and strategic stabilisers in the region.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the COAS stated that Nigeria remains a dependable strategic partner to Liberia and the ECOWAS sub-region, committed to sustained defence cooperation and collective responses to transnational 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 anniversary.
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 Liberia’s prestigious Distinguished Service Order. The honour underscored the deep-rooted defence partnership between both nations.
