COAS Reaffirms Nigerian Army’s Support to Civil Authorities as Ebonyi Partnership Deepens

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to supporting civil authorities in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, as efforts to strengthen internal security and manpower development continue nationwide.

Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the assurance on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

The COAS commended the Ebonyi State Government for its sustained cooperation with the Nigerian Army, noting that the completion of the newly established Nigerian Army Depot in the state would significantly enhance manpower training, capacity development and overall operational effectiveness. He disclosed that the passing-out ceremony for recruits trained at the depot would be held in Abakaliki, underscoring Ebonyi State’s growing strategic importance to the Nigerian Army.

Lieutenant General Shaibu also urged the Governor to sustain public sensitisation initiatives, particularly in encouraging citizens to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence. He stressed that community cooperation remains critical to effectively addressing security challenges across the country.
In addition, the COAS called on the Governor to motivate eligible youths from Ebonyi State to enlist in the Nigerian Army, noting that increased youth participation would further strengthen national security.

He appealed for similar advocacy among other governors in the South East to promote broader regional participation in military service.

In his remarks, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru congratulated Lieutenant General Shaibu on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff and commended the Nigerian Army for its consistent support to internal security operations in Ebonyi State. He described the establishment of the Nigerian Army Depot in the state as a strategic intervention that has improved security and enhanced operational readiness.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Army, noting that Ebonyi State has remained free from incidents of kidnapping and “sit-at-home” disruptions.
He attributed the prevailing peace and stability in the state to the proactive and professional conduct of Nigerian Army personnel.

Governor Nwifuru further appealed for the completion of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Abakaliki, stating that the facility would serve not only Ebonyi State but also neighbouring states in the South East and South South regions. He reiterated his administration’s readiness to deepen partnership with the Nigerian Army in the interest of lasting peace, security and development.