COAS: Citizens key to winning security war

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has said citizens’ roles in supporting efforts aimed at achieving national security objectives are indispensable.

Shaibu stated this at the inauguration of the renovated community primary/secondary school, Rumuomasi in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Sunday.

Lt Gen Shaibu said the inauguration was part of the Army’s ‘Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects’ marking the Nigerian Army Day celebration, 2026.

The interventions include complete renovation of classroom blocks in both the primary and secondary school sections, provision of desks, construction of three new toilets, writing materials for students, new uniforms and school bags for students, among others.

While noting that the interventions dot across the three senatorial districts of the state, the COAS disclosed that the Nigerian Army has inaugurated over 250 intervention projects across the six geopolitical zones of the country aimed at fostering public support and enhancing civilian-military cooperation.

Lt Gen Shaibu stated, “Today’s ceremony provides the Nigerian Army yet another opportunity to foster public support, enhance cooperation, and promote community development with the good people of Rumuomasi, Obio/AKpor LGA through the renovation of the community primary/secondary school.

“We are also renovating community secondary schools in Luusue in Khana Local Government Area and the community town hall in Oyigbo Local Government Area (Rivers South-East), as well as providing a solar-panel borehole in Degema Local Government Area (Rivers West), all in Rivers State.

“As an Army, we recognise the indispensable role that people play in supporting our efforts to achieve national security objectives within a joint, multifaceted, and dynamic security environment.”

He explained that the people’s trust, cooperation, and active participation remained vital to the success of the Army’s operations, saying enduring security could only be achieved through a strong partnership between the military, other security agencies, and the communities.

“This understanding informs the essence of our non-kinetic operations within this civil-military cooperation project scheme, which remains the cornerstone of our efforts in this regard.

“To this end, the Nigerian Army has successfully commissioned over 250 intervention projects across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

“These include the construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, schools, community town halls, laboratories, and roads, as well as the provision of solar lighting systems, boreholes, and Information and Communications Technology facilities.

“These projects are designed to complement existing infrastructure provided by the government,” Shaibu added.

The Army chief expressed happiness at the large turnout at the event, describing it as a reflection of solidarity with the Nigerian Army and a demonstration of a shared understanding of the project’s significance.

He said it also underscored the people’s ‘willful’ support in enabling the Nigerian Army to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.

Shaibu lauded the community leaders for their collaborative efforts in delivering the project, even as he urged them to take full ownership of the facility and ensure its long-term maintenance.

In his goodwill message, Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Dr Gift Worlu, lauded the Army for the intervention, saying he would ensure that the inaugurated facilities meant to enhance teaching and learning were protected.