COAS Reaffirms Nigeria’s Leadership in West Africa’s Security Architecture at Liberia Armed Forces Day

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the country’s longstanding leadership role in promoting peace and security across West Africa, saying Liberia’s current stability is the result of purposeful political will, African solidarity, and the sacrifices of Nigerian troops.

According to the statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the army chief delivered the remarks on Wednesday at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia, where he was Special Guest of Honour at events marking Liberia’s 69th Armed Forces Day. He said Nigeria’s intervention during Liberia’s civil war was a deliberate foreign and defence policy decision aimed at preserving regional stability.

General Shaibu recalled Nigeria’s decisive contribution under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), noting that Nigerian forces bore the heaviest responsibilities in peace enforcement operations, sustaining significant casualties to halt state collapse and enable Liberia’s eventual democratic transition. He said the Nigerian government demonstrated “exceptional leadership” by committing troops, resources, and political support over many years.

Reflecting on post-war reforms, the army chief recounted his involvement in rebuilding the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), working alongside the late Major General Suraj Alawo Abdurrahman and other regional partners. He described the process as an “aircraft-in-flight” reform effort, rebuilding the institution while it remained operational. He expressed satisfaction that officers mentored during that period now occupy key leadership positions in a force he described as a model of
strong military values and regional cooperation.

General Shaibu urged the AFL to uphold professionalism, discipline, and loyalty to constitutional authority, adding that Nigeria remains committed to providing advisory and capacity-building support in strengthening Liberia’s defence sector. He said the relationship between both militaries was built on “shared sacrifice and strategic trust.”

Addressing this year’s theme, “Securing Liberia Together,” he warned that drug trafficking, cybercrime, maritime insecurity and other organised criminal activities have evolved into major security threats with the potential to undermine national and regional stability. He advocated stronger inter-agency cooperation, intelligence-led operations and enhanced regional collaboration.

Drawing on Nigeria’s experience, the COASemphasised the effectiveness of a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach in confronting emerging threats. He encouraged Liberia to deepen this model to boost operational efficiency across its security agencies.

General Shaibu commended the AFL for its professionalism and described it as a stabilising force in Liberia’s democracy. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment—under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—to supporting Liberia and the wider ECOWAS region through defence cooperation, capacity development and collective security efforts.

As part of the celebrations, two senior Nigerian officers, Brigadier General Mohammed Sani Usman and Brigadier General Owoicho Egiga, received Liberia’s Distinguished Service Order in recognition of their contributions to the country’s security institutions.