COAS: Why civil-military cooperation is vital to our operations

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has explained why civil-military cooperation is vital to the operation of the Nigerian Army.

General Shaibu offered the explanation when he spoke with media executives in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The COAS, who spoke with the media executives last weekend on his tenure, said: “Civil-military cooperation is a vital component of our operational strategy. 

“We recognise that lasting security cannot be achieved through kinetic operations alone; it requires the trust and support of the people. 

“Accordingly, we have implemented various community engagement and intervention programmes aimed at building trust, supporting local populations and enhancing information flow. 

“These initiatives have strengthened our relationship with communities, improved intelligence gathering and contributed to more sustainable security outcomes.”

On his message to Nigerians on the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), Shaibu said: “My message is one of assurance and collective responsibility. 

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its commitment to defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation. 

“We will continue to transform into a more professional, modern and combat-ready force capable of addressing all security challenges. 

“However, security is a shared responsibility. 

“We urge all Nigerians to support the Armed Forces through cooperation, unity and credible information sharing. 

“Together, we can build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.”