The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to supporting civil authorities in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, as efforts intensify to strengthen internal security and manpower development nationwide.
Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the assurance on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, while receiving the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, during 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 enhance manpower training, capacity development and overall operational effectiveness.
He disclosed that the passing-out ceremony of recruits trained at the depot would be held in Abakaliki, underscoring Ebonyi State’s growing strategic importance to the Army.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the Governor to sustain public sensitisation efforts, particularly in encouraging citizens to provide timely and credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to addressing security challenges.
He also called on the Governor to motivate eligible youths in Ebonyi State to enlist in the Nigerian Army, adding that increased youth participation would further strengthen national security.
The COAS appealed for similar advocacy across the South East to promote wider regional participation in military service.
In his remarks, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru congratulated Lieutenant General Shaibu on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff and praised the Nigerian Army for its continued support to internal security operations in Ebonyi State.
He described the establishment of the Nigerian Army Depot as a strategic intervention that has improved security and operational readiness in the state.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Army, noting that Ebonyi State has remained free from kidnapping and “sit-at-home” incidents. He attributed the prevailing peace and stability to the professionalism and proactive conduct of Nigerian Army personnel.
Governor Nwifuru also appealed for the completion of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Abakaliki, noting that the facility would serve Ebonyi State and neighbouring states in the South East and South South regions.
He reiterated his administration’s readiness to deepen partnership with the Nigerian Army to sustain peace, security and development.
