By Helen Udo.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to people-centred security by commissioning renovated schools, a community town hall and solar-powered boreholes across Rivers State as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.
The projects, commissioned on Sunday, 5 July 2026, include renovated Community Secondary Schools in Obio/Akpor and Lueku, Khana Local Government Areas, a refurbished Community Town Hall in Oyigbo Local Government Area, and a solar-powered borehole in Degema Local Government Area, spanning the state’s three senatorial districts.
In a statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Director Army Public Relations, on 5 July 2026 on Sunday in Abuja.
Speaking during the commissioning, the COAS described the projects as symbols of renewed hope and improved opportunities for students, teachers and host communities, stressing that they reflect the Army’s growing partnership with the people.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the interventions demonstrate the Nigerian Army’s commitment to addressing both security and developmental needs through its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives, noting that community development remains a critical component of lasting peace.
He explained that the projects, ranging from school renovations and town hall rehabilitation to the installation of solar-powered boreholes, are designed to improve living standards while strengthening trust and cooperation between the military and civilians.
The COAS noted that sustainable security cannot be achieved through military operations alone but requires collaboration, shared responsibility and the support of local communities in promoting peace and stability.
He disclosed that the Nigerian Army has completed over 250 intervention projects nationwide, including hospitals, classrooms, roads, ICT centres, solar lighting systems and water facilities, aimed at improving the quality of life in host communities.
According to the COAS, the transformation of previously dilapidated schools into safe and conducive learning environments reflects the Army’s belief that education remains a critical foundation for long-term peace, development and national stability.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the benefiting communities for their cooperation and urged residents to protect and maintain the facilities. He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigerian Army and reaffirmed the Army’s loyalty to the Constitution and its commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, said the projects were executed under the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation Programme to improve infrastructure and strengthen relationships with host communities, adding that the interventions were equitably distributed across Rivers State’s three senatorial districts.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Honourable Gift Worlu, described the projects as transformative, saying they would enhance learning, restore hope among students and teachers, and improve community welfare.
He thanked the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government for the interventions and pledged that the facilities would be protected and properly maintained.
