By Nkechi Eze
The Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Barrister Peter Mbah, has praised the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his dedication to strengthening peace and security across the country.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Governor gave the commendation on Thursday, 13 November 2025, when he received the COAS and senior officers from Army Headquarters in his office. Governor Mbah said he had followed the activities of the Army Chief since he assumed office and noted that General Shaibu had discharged his duties with exceptional seriousness and commitment befitting the strategic role he occupies.
While congratulating the COAS on his appointment, the Governor stated that the choice of General Shaibu was not surprising, given his remarkable antecedents in previous commands in the North East and other formations. He added that Enugu State was honoured to host the COAS and his team for the Regimental Sergeant Majors’ Convention.
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff expressed gratitude to the Governor and the people of Enugu State for their support to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Army to remain proactive in addressing emerging security threats, noting that with sustained collaboration among the Armed Forces, security agencies and members of the public, insecurity would be significantly curtailed.
General Shaibu also visited troops of 82 Division at the Division Headquarters and the Forward Operations Base in Ivo, Abia State. He commended their efforts, describing their sacrifices as instrumental to the improved security situation in the South East. He assured the troops that their welfare remained a priority and promised to address accommodation challenges across Army barracks nationwide.
The COAS later attended the closing ceremony of the 2nd Regimental Sergeant Majors’ Convention 2025, themed “RSM Roles in Operational Readiness and Combat Effectiveness.” As Special Guest of Honour, he said the convention was particularly significant being his first official engagement since assuming office. He noted that the forum created an opportunity for robust discussions aimed at enhancing regimentation, discipline and leadership across formations and units.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Isa Abdullahi, commended the RSMs for their zeal and dedication in upholding discipline within the Nigerian Army. He said the convention had further deepened participants’ understanding of their responsibilities and strengthened their leadership capacity.
Certificates were later presented to participants drawn from both military and paramilitary agencies.
