The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening security across the South-East following an operational assessment visit to troops at the Nkwagu Military Cantonment, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the visit, conducted on Thursday, 9 July 2026, was part of the COAS’ ongoing efforts to evaluate troops’ combat readiness, operational effectiveness and welfare in line with his vision of building a highly professional, adaptive and resilient Nigerian Army capable of addressing contemporary security challenges within a joint and multi-agency environment.
During his engagement with officers and soldiers, Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the troops for their dedication, discipline and steadfast commitment to duty, urging them to remain vigilant while sustaining pressure on all threats to peace and stability in the region.
He also charged the personnel to uphold the Constitution, maintain the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human rights in the discharge of their responsibilities.
As part of the visit, the COAS inspected key operational and welfare facilities, including the Military Hospital and troops’ accommodation, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to prioritising personnel welfare, healthcare and infrastructure as essential enablers of operational effectiveness and mission success.
The statement noted that Lieutenant General Shaibu was earlier briefed on ongoing operations, operational achievements and administrative requirements within the formation. Expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded, he encouraged troops to deepen collaboration with the other services of the Armed Forces, security agencies and host communities to consolidate peace, strengthen security and promote lasting stability across Ebonyi State and the wider South-East.
