Citizens’ role crucial in achieving national security objectives, COAS

The Nigerian Army Chief, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the indispensable role of citizens' support in achieving national security objectives. Speaking at the inauguration of a renovated community primary and secondary school in Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Shaibu highlighted the importance of civil-military cooperation.

“

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 Local Government Area, through the renovation of the community primary and secondary school.

The inauguration was part of the Nigerian Army’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects, marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration. These interventions included the complete renovation of classrooms, provision of desks, construction of new toilets, and distribution of school supplies and uniforms. Shaibu noted that these projects span across the state's three senatorial districts.

Nationwide, the Nigerian Army has commissioned over 250 intervention projects across the country's six geopolitical zones. These initiatives aim to foster public support and enhance cooperation between the military and the communities they serve. "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 Local Government Area, through the renovation of the community primary and secondary school," Shaibu stated.

“

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

He further explained that the people's trust, cooperation, and active participation are vital for the success of the Army's operations. Enduring security, he believes, can only be achieved through strong partnerships among the military, other security agencies, and the communities. This understanding informs the essence of the Army's non-kinetic operations under the Civil-Military Cooperation Project scheme, which remains a cornerstone of their efforts.

“

This understanding informs the essence of our non-kinetic operations under this Civil-Military Cooperation Project scheme, which remains the cornerstone of our efforts in this regard.