Army Chief Stresses Community Cooperation in Securing National Security

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has emphasized that public support and cooperation are essential for the military to successfully fulfill its constitutional mandate of maintaining national security.

Speaking on Sunday during the inauguration of renovated school facilities in Rumuomasi, Rivers State, Shaibu noted that the Nigerian Army views partnerships with local communities as a cornerstone of its operations. The project, which included the refurbishment of classroom blocks and the donation of educational supplies, was part of the Army’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation initiative in honor of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day.

The Army Chief revealed that the service has successfully commissioned over 250 similar intervention projects across the country’s six geopolitical zones. These efforts, which range from infrastructure rehabilitation to the provision of boreholes and medical facilities, are designed to complement government services and foster goodwill between soldiers and the civilians they protect.

“As an Army, we recognize the indispensable role that the people play in supporting our efforts to achieve national security objectives within a dynamic security environment,” Shaibu stated. He added that the success of the military is deeply tied to the trust and participation of the communities it serves.

The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Dr. Gift Worlu, commended the military for the gesture, pledging that the local authorities would ensure the renovated facilities are properly maintained and protected for the benefit of the students.

Shaibu concluded by encouraging the residents to take full ownership of the new infrastructure, reaffirming the military’s dedication to non-kinetic operations as a strategic tool for achieving long-term stability and regional development.