The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with strategic stakeholders, military veterans and international partners to address the country’s evolving security challenges and enhance national security.
In an official signed statement, Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed that the COAS made the commitment on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, while receiving the leadership of the Royal College of Defence Studies Alumni Association of Nigeria during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the statement, the delegation was led by the Association’s President, Major General OO Oshinowo (Rtd).
Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed appreciation to the delegation for its sustained interest in national security matters and acknowledged the significant contributions of retired senior military officers to the development of military strategy and national defence. He noted that the Nigerian Army would continue to leverage the experience, institutional knowledge and strategic perspectives of veterans and defence professionals in tackling contemporary security threats.
The Army Chief also reiterated the Nigerian Army’s resolve to expand professional military education and deepen engagement with reputable international institutions, including the Royal College of Defence Studies. He stressed that exposure to global best practices, emerging security trends and strategic-level training remains essential for building a more adaptive, professional and mission-ready force capable of supporting the achievement of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
Earlier, Major General Oshinowo (Rtd) conveyed the Association’s readiness to support ongoing national security efforts through strategic insights, professional expertise and policy-oriented recommendations. He stated that the Association, which was inaugurated in 2017 and comprises senior military and civilian leaders trained at the Royal College of Defence Studies, remains committed to making meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s security discourse.
The retired senior officer commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their sustained operational successes against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality across the country. He expressed confidence that the momentum of ongoing security operations would continue to weaken criminal networks and promote national stability, peace and development.
