By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to back civil authorities in discharging their constitutional responsibilities, declaring that security gains across the country hinge on tighter civil–military cooperation, credible intelligence flow and deliberate manpower development.
General Shaibu sounded the note on Wednesday at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, while receiving Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who paid a courtesy visit as security partnerships between the Army and subnational governments deepen.
Setting the tone, the COAS praised Ebonyi State for what he described as “sustained, practical cooperation” with the Nigerian Army, stressing that such partnerships remain the backbone of internal security operations nationwide.
He disclosed that the newly established Nigerian Army Depot in Ebonyi State is nearing completion, a development he said would significantly boost recruit training, capacity building and operational effectiveness.
In a clear signal of Ebonyi’s rising strategic value, General Shaibu announced that the passing-out ceremony of recruits trained at the depot would be hosted in Abakaliki, marking a first for the state and underscoring the Army’s confidence in the security environment.
The Army chief, however, struck a cautionary note, insisting that military operations alone cannot defeat security threats.
He urged the Ebonyi governor to intensify public sensitisation, encouraging citizens to provide timely, actionable intelligence, which he described as “the decisive edge” in tackling crime and insecurity.
General Shaibu also called for a renewed push to mobilise eligible youths into the Nigerian Army, noting that stronger regional representation in the military would reinforce national unity and security.
He appealed to Governor Nwifuru to take the advocacy beyond Ebonyi, urging other South-East governors to actively encourage enlistment.
Responding, Governor Nwifuru congratulated Lieutenant General Shaibu on his appointment as COAS and commended the Nigerian Army for what he termed “consistent and professional support” to internal security operations in Ebonyi State.
He described the Army Depot as a strategic intervention that has strengthened security architecture and improved operational readiness, attributing the state’s relative calm to proactive Army deployments and close collaboration with security agencies.
According to the governor, Ebonyi State has remained free of kidnapping and ‘sit-at-home’ disruptions, a stability he linked directly to the discipline and professionalism of Nigerian Army personnel operating in the state.
Governor Nwifuru further appealed for the completion of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Abakaliki, noting that the facility would serve Ebonyi and neighbouring states in the South-East and South-South, while easing pressure on existing medical centres.
He reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Nigerian Army, pledging continued support in the shared pursuit of lasting peace, security and development.
The meeting, observers noted, reinforced the growing convergence between military leadership and state governments as Nigeria intensifies efforts to consolidate security gains across the federation.
