By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated the relentless commitment of the Nigerian Army (NA) to assisting civil authorities in the fulfilment of their constitutional mandates, as national efforts intensify to enhance internal security and manpower development.
Lieutenant General Shaibu gave this assurance on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, while receiving the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who paid a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The COAS commended the Ebonyi State Government for its sustained cooperation with the Nigerian Army, noting that the completion of the newly established Nigerian Army Depot in the state would significantly strengthen manpower training, capacity development and improve operational effectiveness. He further disclosed that the passing-out ceremony of recruits trained at the depot would be held in Abakaliki, highlighting the growing strategic relevance of Ebonyi State to the Nigerian Army.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the Governor to sustain public sensitisation efforts, particularly in encouraging citizens to support the Army with timely and credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains pivotal to addressing security challenges nationwide. He also called on the Governor to motivate eligible youths from Ebonyi State to enlist in the Nigerian Army, adding that increased youth participation would further reinforce national security. The COAS appealed for this advocacy to be extended to other governors across the South East to promote broader regional participation in military service.
In his remarks, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru congratulated Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff and commended the Nigerian Army for its sustained support to internal security operations in Ebonyi State. He described the establishment of the Nigerian Army Depot in the state as a strategic intervention that has strengthened security and enhanced operational readiness.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Nigerian Army, noting that Ebonyi State has remained free from incidents of kidnapping and “sit-at-home” disruptions. He attributed the prevailing peace and stability in the state to the proactive and professional conduct of Nigerian Army personnel.
Governor Nwifuru further appealed for the completion of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Abakaliki, noting that the facility would serve not only Ebonyi State but also neighbouring states across the South East and South South regions.
He reiterated his administration’s readiness to deepen partnership with the Nigerian Army in pursuit of sustained peace, security and development.
