Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Friday called for stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Army, state governments and citizens to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Shaibu made the call during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, at the Government House in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
Details of the visit was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
The COAS said he was in the state for the week-long celebration, which will culminate in the grand finale on July 6, and commended the Rivers State Government for its hospitality and support, noting that the partnership has contributed to peace, the protection of critical national assets and national development.
Governor Fubara, in his response, thanked the Nigerian Army for choosing Rivers State to host this year’s celebration and commended Lieutenant General Shaibu for what he described as improved security in the state since assuming office.
He said the improved security environment had boosted crude oil production and economic activities, while praising the Army’s efforts against insurgency, pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft. Fubara reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting military operations aimed at protecting critical national infrastructure and enhancing internal security.
