By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has arrived in the Republic of Liberia on an official engagement at the invitation of the Armed Forces of Liberia to participate in the country’s Sixty-Ninth Armed Forces Day Celebration scheduled for Wednesday, 11 February 2026.
In an official signed statement, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed that upon arrival in Liberia, the COAS was warmly received by the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia, Major General Davidson Forley. In a demonstration of military honour and mutual respect, Lieutenant General Shaibu inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by the Armed Forces of Liberia. The ceremonial reception underscored the enduring professional relationship between both armed forces and reflected the high esteem in which the Republic of Liberia holds the Nigerian Army.
The statement further disclosed that as part of his official engagements, the COAS visited the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Liberia, where he was received by the Chargé d’Affaires, Ambassador Rahmat Muhammad. During the visit, Lieutenant General Shaibu interacted with embassy officials and commended their efforts in strengthening Nigeria–Liberia bilateral relations, as well as in safeguarding Nigerian interests in the host country.
According to the statement, the visit reaffirms Nigeria’s sustained commitment to defence diplomacy, the enhancement of bilateral military cooperation, and the strengthening of regional security collaboration within the West African sub-region. The COAS’s participation in the Armed Forces Day Celebration further highlights Nigeria’s resolve to promote professional solidarity and strategic partnerships with sister African militaries in addressing emerging security challenges.
The statement added that Lieutenant General Shaibu is expected to deliver an address at the Sixty-Ninth Armed Forces Day Celebration, during which Liberia will commemorate its military heritage, operational achievements, and the critical role of the Armed Forces in national development and stability.
Notably, the statement recalled that Lieutenant General Shaibu previously served as Military Assistant to a former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of Liberia’s defence sector, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, one of the country’s highest military honours.
