By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has stressed the importance of national unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, drawing lessons from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Shaibu made the emphasis on Monday, October 19, 2026, during his visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial as part of his ongoing official working visit to Rwanda.
According to an official statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, the visit underscored the devastating consequences of ethnic hatred, religious intolerance, divisive rhetoric and violent extremism, highlighting the need for Nigeria to strengthen national cohesion and prevent conflicts.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial houses the remains of approximately 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers of unchecked hatred, political manipulation and national disunity.
The Nigerian Army noted that Rwanda’s tragic history offered important lessons for Nigeria, particularly on the need for citizens to rise above ethnic, religious and political differences and embrace tolerance, patriotism and collective responsibility for national peace and stability.
It added that the visit highlighted the importance of responsible leadership, early conflict prevention and sustained civil-military cooperation in addressing threats to peace and security.
The Army further emphasised that national unity remained the foundation of enduring peace, security and development, urging Nigerians to learn from historical tragedies and work towards a more united and peaceful society.
