By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening its alliance with traditional institutions to enhance intelligence gathering, build community trust and promote sustainable peace across the country.
Shaibu gave the assurance on Friday, October 9, 2026, when he paid homage to the Andoma of Doma Kingdom, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Ahmadu Aliyu Ogga Onawo, at his palace in Doma, Nasarawa State.
The COAS, who was in Doma for the graduation ceremony of an elite Special Forces Battalion trained at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Doma, acknowledged the strategic role of traditional rulers and host communities in supporting military operations through intelligence gathering, early warning and community engagement.
He expressed appreciation to the Doma Kingdom for its continued support and hospitality, stressing that effective collaboration between the military, traditional institutions and local communities was essential to addressing contemporary security challenges.
According to him, a whole-of-society approach remains critical to strengthening national security, fostering mutual trust and creating the conditions necessary for lasting peace and stability.
In his response, the Andoma of Doma commended Lieutenant General Shaibu for his leadership and the establishment of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in the kingdom, describing the institution as a significant contribution to the community.
The monarch pledged the continued support of the Doma traditional institution and its people to the Nigerian Army, while offering prayers for lasting peace, stability and security across Nigeria.
The visit underscores the importance of sustained military-traditional institution partnerships in strengthening civil-military relations and supporting collective efforts to safeguard lives and property.
