By Helen Udo.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, military veterans and international institutions to enhance national security and address emerging threats across the country.
The Army Chief made the declaration on Wednesday while receiving the leadership of the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) Alumni Association of Nigeria, led by its President, Major General OO Oshinowo (Rtd), during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement issued by Colonel Appolonia Anele ,Acting Director Army Public Relations said that Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized that collaboration remains essential in tackling Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, noting that the Army is determined to work closely with experienced professionals and strategic partners in pursuit of lasting security solutions.
He commended the RCDS Alumni Association for its sustained interest in national security matters and acknowledged the significant contributions of retired senior military officers to defence planning, military strategy and national development.
According to the COAS, the Nigerian Army will continue to draw from the wealth of experience, institutional knowledge and strategic perspectives of veterans and defence experts to strengthen ongoing efforts against insecurity.
Shaibu also reiterated the Army’s resolve to expand professional military education and deepen engagement with reputable international defence institutions, including the Royal College of Defence Studies.
He noted that exposure to global best practices, strategic-level training and emerging security trends is vital to building a more professional, adaptive and mission-ready force capable of responding effectively to contemporary threats.
The Army Chief stressed that continuous capacity building remains a key component of the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda and its contribution to achieving Nigeria’s broader national security objectives.
Earlier, President of the RCDS Alumni Association, Major General OO Oshinowo (Rtd), expressed the association’s readiness to support national security efforts through strategic advice, professional expertise and policy-focused recommendations.
Oshinowo explained that the association, inaugurated in 2017 and made up of senior military and civilian leaders trained at the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies, remains committed to enriching Nigeria’s security discourse.
He also commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their operational gains against terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities, expressing confidence that ongoing operations would further weaken criminal networks and promote peace, stability and national development.
