Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called on Nigeria’s banking sector to boost efforts aimed at disrupting terrorism financing and other illicit financial flows that threaten national security.

He described the financial sector as a critical stakeholder in safeguarding national stability and supporting economic resilience.

Shaibu noted that disrupting the financial lifelines of criminal networks remained a key component of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and internal security strategy.

The army chief made the call on Monday when he received the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (GMD/COE) of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr Oliver Alawuba, on a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

Shaibu urged Alawuba, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs, to mobilise the banking industry towards enhancing financial surveillance and intelligence-sharing mechanisms capable of detecting and blocking suspicious transactions linked to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.

The COAS also highlighted the commitment of the Nigerian Army to improving personnel welfare as a pillar of operational effectiveness and force readiness.

He disclosed that the Army was partnering with UBA to develop structured mortgage schemes and other housing initiatives aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities for serving and retired personnel while complementing ongoing barracks infrastructure renewal efforts.

Earlier, Alawuba reaffirmed UBA’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army through tailored financial solutions, including mortgage financing, support for military infrastructure projects, and welfare initiatives.

He further pledged the bank’s assistance in facilitating efficient financial services for personnel deployed on international peace support operations.

ALSO, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has urged the media to effectively project the successes being recorded by the
Nigerian Army in the ongoing counter-insurgency and other operations, factually and timely, to counter misinformation, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.

According to him, operational successes must be complemented by effective strategic communication.

Declaring open the first and second quarters “Media Workshop” organised by the Directorate of Army Public Relations, Shaibu said that contemporary security challenges required synergy among security agencies and strong partnerships with key stakeholders, particularly the media, as no single institution can effectively address today’s complex security threats in isolation.

Represented by the Chief of Civil Military Affairs (Army), Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, the army chief, said the theme of the workshop, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” was both timely and strategic.