The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and security during activities marking the 69th Armed Forces Day Anniversary of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), held on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, at the Barclay Training Center, Monrovia.
The COAS, who attended the event as Special Guest of Honour, stated that the stability currently enjoyed by the Republic of Liberia is a product of deliberate governmental resolve, African solidarity, and the sacrifices made by the Nigerian Army during the civil conflict period.
According to a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Apolonia Anele, Lieutenant General Shaibu recalled Nigeria’s pivotal role under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), noting that Nigerian troops formed the backbone of the peace enforcement operations and committed significant personnel, resources, and political will to restore peace and preserve Liberia’s sovereignty.
He stated that these efforts laid the foundation for national reconciliation, democratic transition, and post-conflict reconstruction.
During a dinner held in his honour, the COAS reflected on his personal involvement in the early stages of rebuilding the Armed Forces of Liberia. He recalled working alongside the late Major General Suraj Alawo Abdurrahman and other partners in reforming the AFL, describing the process as rebuilding the force while it remained operational. He expressed satisfaction that officers mentored during that period now occupy key leadership positions.
The COAS urged the Armed Forces of Liberia to sustain their professionalism, loyalty to constitutional authority, and institutional discipline. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to continue providing 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,” Lieutenant General Shaibu highlighted the growing threats posed by drug trafficking, cybercrime, maritime insecurity, and organised criminal networks.
He emphasised the need for strengthened inter-agency cooperation, intelligence-led operations, and enhanced regional collaboration.
He further underscored the effectiveness of the Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach in addressing security challenges, encouraging Liberia to sustain collaborative security frameworks.
The COAS 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 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 the Distinguished Service Order of Liberia during the ceremony.