COAS reaffirms Army’s commitment to internal security

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to supporting civil authorities in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, as national efforts to strengthen internal security and manpower development continue.

This was disclosed in a statement issued to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.

According to the statement, the COAS gave the assurance while receiving the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who paid a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

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Lieutenant General Shaibu 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 enhance manpower training, capacity development, and overall operational effectiveness.

He further revealed that the passing-out parade of recruits trained at the depot would be held in Abakaliki, underscoring Ebonyi State’s growing strategic importance to the Nigerian Army.

The Army Chief urged the governor to sustain public sensitisation efforts, particularly by encouraging citizens to support the military with timely and credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains critical 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 strengthen national security. The COAS appealed for similar advocacy across other South-East states to promote wider regional participation in military service.

In his remarks, Governor 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 in the state as a strategic intervention that has strengthened security and improved operational readiness.

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” disruptions. He attributed the prevailing peace and stability to the proactive and professional conduct of Nigerian Army personnel.

Governor Nwifuru also appealed for the completion of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Abakaliki, explaining that the facility would serve not only Ebonyi State but also neighbouring states in the South-East and South-South regions.

He reiterated his administration’s readiness to deepen partnership with the Nigerian Army in the interest of lasting peace, security, and development.