COAS Hails Nigeria’s Decisive Role in Liberia’s Peace and Defence Transformation
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s strategic leadership in West Africa, declaring that the enduring stability of Liberia stands as a testament to Nigeria’s deliberate policy choices, regional solidarity and the 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 at events marking the 69th Armed Forces Day Anniversary of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
Addressing senior military officials, government representatives and international partners, the COAS emphasised that Nigeria’s intervention during Liberia’s civil conflict was neither incidental nor transactional, but a conscious foreign and defence policy decision aimed at safeguarding West African stability.
Recalling Nigeria’s pivotal role under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), he noted that Nigerian troops formed the backbone of the peace enforcement mission, shouldering the heaviest operational responsibilities and recording significant casualties in the process of halting state collapse, restoring law and order and preserving Liberia’s sovereignty.
He stressed that the Federal Government of Nigeria demonstrated exceptional leadership by committing troops, resources and sustained political will over an extended period—efforts that 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 the early phases of rebuilding the Armed Forces of Liberia.
He said he worked alongside the late Major General Suraj Alawo Abdurrahman, then Chief of Staff of the AFL, and other regional partners in what he described as an “Aircraft-in-Flight” reform process—restructuring and professionalising the force while it remained operational.
He expressed satisfaction that officers mentored during that formative period now occupy key leadership positions, describing today’s AFL as a shining testament to sustained international partnership, regional cooperation and adherence to core military values.
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The COAS urged the AFL to jealously guard 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 architecture.
He noted that Nigeria played a central role in mentoring, training and reorienting the force into what is now recognised as a disciplined, motivated and democratically accountable institution—“A Force for Good.”
Lieutenant General Shaibu underscored that the Nigeria–Liberia defence relationship is anchored on shared sacrifice, strategic trust and a bond forged in adversity. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to Liberia’s security, describing it as inseparable from the broader stability of the ECOWAS sub-region.
Addressing the anniversary theme, “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 complex strategic challenges capable of undermining state authority and regional stability.
He highlighted the proliferation of synthetic drugs as a critical national security threat with serious implications for youth development, economic resilience and internal stability. To counter these risks, he advocated stronger inter-agency synergy, intelligence-driven operations, reinforced legal frameworks and deeper regional collaboration.
Drawing from Nigeria’s operational experience, he emphasised the effectiveness of the Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach, where the Armed Forces, Police and other security agencies operate under unified command structures to enhance operational efficiency and strategic outcomes. He encouraged Liberia to sustain and deepen this model in tackling both current and emerging threats.
The COAS commended officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia for their professionalism and loyalty to constitutional authority, describing them as strategic stabilisers and guardians of Liberia’s democracy.
He also reaffirmed that Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains a dependable strategic partner to Liberia and the wider ECOWAS region, committed to sustained defence cooperation, capacity building and collective responses to transnational security threats.
As part of the ceremony, two senior Nigerian Army officers—Brigadier General Mohammed Sani Usman and Brigadier General Owoicho Egiga—were decorated with the prestigious Distinguished Service Order of Liberia in recognition of their meritorious service and invaluable contributions to Liberia’s defence architecture.
The event, according to a statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations, symbolised the deep-rooted defence partnership between Nigeria and Liberia and reaffirmed Nigeria’s enduring role as a pillar of peace and security in West Africa.