COAS Visits Liberia for 69th Armed Forces Day Celebration

Chiemelie Ezeobi 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, yesterday  arrived in the Republic of Liberia on an official engagement at the invitation of the Armed Forces of Liberia, to grace the country’s Sixty-Ninth Armed Forces Day Celebration scheduled for Tuesday, 11 February 2026.

On arrival, the COAS was warmly received by the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia, Major General Davidson Forley. 

In a mark of honour and mutual military respect, Lieutenant General Shaibu inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by the Armed Forces of Liberia, symbolising the enduring professional ties and cooperation between the two sister armed forces, as well as the high esteem in which the Nigerian Army is held by the Republic of Liberia.

As part of the visit, the COAS also paid a courtesy call on the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Liberia, where he was received by the Chargé d’Affaires, Ambassador Rahmat Muhammad. 

During the visit, Lieutenant General Shaibu interacted with embassy officials and commended their efforts in strengthening Nigeria–Liberia bilateral relations and safeguarding Nigerian interests in the host nation.

According to Colonel Appolonia Anele, acting Director, Army Public Relations, the visit underscores Nigeria’s sustained commitment to defence diplomacy, the deepening of bilateral military cooperation, and the reinforcement of regional security collaboration within the West African sub region. 

The COAS’s participation in Liberia’s Armed Forces Day Celebration further reflects Nigeria’s resolve to foster professional solidarity and strategic partnerships with sister African militaries in addressing emerging security challenges.

Lieutenant General Shaibu is expected to attend the Sixty-Ninth Armed Forces Day Celebration, during which Liberia will commemorate its military heritage, operational achievements, and the pivotal role of the Armed Forces in national development and stability.

Lieutenant General Shaibu previously served as Military Assistant to a former Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia. 

He is also a recipient of the Distinguished Service Order, one of the highest military awards of the Armed Forces of Liberia, conferred in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the development of the country’s defence sector.