The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has declared that the peace and stability currently enjoyed by the Republic of Liberia stand as a testament to Nigeria’s deliberate commitment, African solidarity and the immense sacrifices of the Nigerian Army.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made the remarks on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia, where he attended as Special Guest of Honour during events marking 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 neither incidental nor transactional, but a conscious foreign and defence policy decision taken in the collective interest of West African stability. According to him, Nigeria’s actions were rooted in strategic foresight and regional responsibility.
Recalling Nigeria’s leadership under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), the COAS noted that Nigerian troops formed the backbone of peace enforcement operations, assuming the heaviest operational responsibilities and recording significant casualties to halt state collapse, restore law and order, and safeguard Liberia’s sovereignty.
He stressed that the Federal Government of Nigeria demonstrated exceptional leadership by committing troops, resources and political will over an extended period, thereby laying the foundation for national reconciliation, democratic transition and post-conflict reconstruction in Liberia.
Speaking further at a dinner organised in his honour, Lieutenant General Shaibu reflected on his personal involvement in the early rebuilding of the Armed Forces of Liberia. He recalled serving alongside the late Major General Suraj Alawo Abdurrahman, then Chief of Staff of the AFL, and other regional partners in what he described as a complex “Aircraft-in-Flight” reform process rebuilding the force 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 testament to sustained international partnership, regional cooperation and adherence to core military values.
The COAS urged the AFL to guard its ethos of sacrifice, professionalism and loyalty to constitutional authority, assuring that Nigeria would continue to provide advisory and capacity-building support in furtherance of 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 warned that contemporary threats including drug trafficking, cybercrime, maritime insecurity and organised criminal networks have evolved into strategic security challenges capable of undermining state authority and regional stability.
He described the proliferation of synthetic drugs as a serious national security concern with implications for youth development, economic resilience and internal stability. He therefore advocated robust inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, strengthened legal frameworks and enhanced regional cooperation as essential pillars of effective security governance.
Drawing from Nigeria’s operational experience, he underscored the effectiveness of the “Whole of Government” and “Whole of Society” approach, where the Armed Forces, Police and other security agencies operate within coordinated command structures to enhance operational efficiency and strategic outcomes. He encouraged Liberia to deepen this model in tackling both current and emerging threats.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed that the Nigeria–Liberia defence relationship is anchored on shared sacrifice, strategic trust and an enduring bond forged in adversity. He maintained that Nigeria remains firmly committed to Liberia’s security, viewing it as inseparable from the stability of the wider West African sub-region.
He congratulated the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, the AFL High Command and the Liberian people on the 69th Armed Forces Day Anniversary, expressing confidence that the AFL would continue to strengthen professionalism and operational effectiveness in service of national stability and regional peace.
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 the Distinguished Service Order of Liberia during the ceremony. The awards were conferred in honour of their meritorious service and invaluable contributions, further symbolised the deep-rooted defence partnership between both nations.
