The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting civil authorities in maintaining internal security and national development.
The COAS gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
During the meeting, Lt. Gen. Shaibu lauded the Ebonyi State Government for its consistent cooperation. He noted that the completion of the newly established Nigerian Army Depot in Ebonyi would enhance manpower training and operational effectiveness. The COAS further revealed that the upcoming passing-out ceremony for recruits trained at the facility would be held in Abakaliki, signifying the state’s growing strategic importance.
Addressing regional security, the COAS urged Governor Nwifuru to continue sensitizing the public on the importance of providing credible intelligence to the military. He also encouraged the Governor to advocate for increased military enlistment among Ebonyi youths and to engage other South East governors to boost regional participation in the Nigerian Army.
In response, Governor Nwifuru congratulated the COAS on his appointment and expressed gratitude for the Army’s role in securing Ebonyi State. He highlighted that the state has remained free from kidnapping and the “sit-at-home” orders prevalent in other parts of the region, attributing this stability to the professional conduct of Army personnel.
The Governor also appealed for the completion of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Abakaliki, emphasizing that the facility would provide critical healthcare services to residents of the South East and South South regions. He concluded by reaffirming his administration’s readiness to deepen its partnership with the Army to ensure sustained peace and development.
