The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has attended the 69th Armed Forces Day Celebration of the Republic of Liberia. He was the Special Guest of Honour at the event which held today Wednesday, 11th February, 2026 at the Barclay Training Center, Monrovia, Liberia.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s intervention in Liberia during the civil conflict era was neither incidental nor transactional, but a conscious foreign and defence policy decision undertaken in the collective interest of West African stability.
Recalling Nigeria’s pivotal role under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), the COAS noted that Nigerian troops formed the backbone of peace enforcement operations, bearing the heaviest operational responsibilities and recording significant casualties to halt state collapse, restore law and order and preserve Liberia’s sovereignty.
He underscored that the Federal Government of Nigeria demonstrated exceptional leadership by committing troops, resources and political will over an extended period, thereby laying the foundation for national reconciliation, democratic transition and post-conflict reconstruction in Liberia.
Meanwhile, COAS Waidi Shaibu was received on arrival by the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia, Major General Davidson Forley.
As part of his visit, the COAS was at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Liberia, where he was received by the Chargé d’Affaires, Ambassador Rahmat Muhammad and had a robust interaction with embassy officials. He commended their efforts in strengthening Nigeria/Liberia bilateral relations and safeguarding Nigerian interests in the host nation.
The COAS’s participation in Liberia’s Armed Forces Day Celebration further reflects Nigeria’s resolve to foster professional solidarity and strategic partnerships with sister African militaries in the fight against emerging security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu was a one-time Military Assistant to the former Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia. He holds a Distinguished Service Order honour, one of the highest military award of the Armed Forces of Liberia for his exceptional contributions to the development of the country’s defence sector.