Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in regional peace and security, stating that Liberia’s current stability reflects the sacrifices and long-term commitment of the Nigerian government and armed forces.
According to a statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, on 11 February 2026, the Army chief made the remarks at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia during activities marking the 69th Armed Forces Day Anniversary of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), where he attended as Special Guest of Honour.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said Nigeria’s intervention in Liberia during the country’s civil war was a deliberate foreign and defence policy decision undertaken in the broader interest of West African stability. He recalled Nigeria’s leading role under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), noting that Nigerian troops formed the backbone of peace enforcement operations and bore significant operational responsibilities and casualties in efforts to restore order and preserve Liberia’s sovereignty.
The COAS said Nigeria’s sustained deployment of troops, resources and political will laid the foundation for Liberia’s national reconciliation, democratic transition and post-conflict reconstruction.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s role in rebuilding Liberia’s military, Shaibu, during a dinner held in his honour, recalled his personal involvement in the early stages of restructuring the Armed Forces of Liberia alongside the late Major General Suraj Alawo Abdurrahman and other regional partners. He described the reform effort as an “Aircraft-in-Flight” process, rebuilding the force while it remained operational.
He expressed satisfaction that officers mentored during that period now occupy key leadership positions within the AFL, which he described as a product of sustained regional cooperation and adherence to professional military values.
The Army chief urged the AFL to maintain professionalism, loyalty to constitutional authority and a culture of sacrifice, assuring that Nigeria would continue to provide advisory and capacity-building support in the interest of regional stability.
Addressing the theme of the anniversary, “Securing Liberia Together: Strengthening Inter-Agency Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking and Emerging Security Threats,” Shaibu warned that drug trafficking, cybercrime, maritime insecurity and organised criminal networks pose evolving threats to national and regional security.
He highlighted the proliferation of synthetic drugs as a growing national security concern with implications for youth development, economic resilience and internal stability. He advocated stronger inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, enhanced legal frameworks and deeper regional cooperation.
Drawing from Nigeria’s experience, the COAS emphasised the effectiveness of a “Whole of Government” and “Whole of Society” approach to security management, involving coordinated efforts among the armed forces, police and other security agencies under unified command structures.
He commended officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia for their professionalism and commitment to democratic governance, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sustained defence cooperation within Liberia and across the ECOWAS sub-region.
As part of the ceremony, two senior Nigerian Army officers, Brigadier General Mohammed Sani Usman and Brigadier General Owoicho Egiga, were decorated with Liberia’s Distinguished Service Order in recognition of their contributions to the Armed Forces of Liberia.
Colonel Anele said the honours underscore the enduring defence partnership between Nigeria and Liberia, anchored on shared sacrifice and strategic cooperation.
