Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s strategic leadership in regional peace and security, declaring that the stability enjoyed by the Republic of Liberia currently stands as a direct outcome of deliberate governmental resolve, African solidarity and the sacrifices of the Nigerian Army.

Shaibu made the declaration yesterday in Monrovia, where he was the special guest of honour in the activities marking the 69th Armed Forces Day Anniversary of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).

He emphasised that Nigeria’s intervention in Liberia during the civil conflict era was neither incidental nor transactional, but a conscious foreign and defence policy decision undertaken in the collective interest of West Africa’s stability.

Recalling Nigeria’s pivotal role under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), Shaibu noted that Nigerian troops formed the backbone of peace enforcement operations, bearing the heaviest operational responsibilities and recording significant casualties to halt state collapse, restore law and order and preserve Liberia’s sovereignty.

He said the Federal Government of Nigeria demonstrated exceptional leadership by committing troops, resources and political will over an extended period, thereby laying the foundation for national reconciliation, democratic transition and post-conflict reconstruction in Liberia.

Addressing the theme of the celebration, “Securing Liberia Together: Strengthening Inter-Agency Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking and Emerging Security Threats,” Shaibu warned that contemporary threats, particularly drug trafficking, cybercrime, maritime insecurity and organised criminal networks, had evolved into strategic security challenges capable of undermining state authority and regional stability.

According to him, drug trafficking, especially the proliferation of synthetic drugs, now constitutes a critical national security threat with direct implications for youth development, economic resilience and internal stability.

He, therefore, advocated robust inter-agency synergy, intelligence-led operations, and strengthened legal frameworks and enhanced regional cooperation as indispensable pillars of effective security governance.

In recognition of Nigeria’s enduring contributions to Liberia’s peace and security architecture, two senior Nigerian Army officers, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Sani Usman and Brig.-Gen. Owoicho Egiga, were decorated with the prestigious Distinguished Service Order of Liberia during the ceremony.