The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu has said the Nigerian Army would continue to leverage the wealth of experience, institutional knowledge, and strategic perspectives of veterans and defence professionals to address contemporary security challenges.

Shaibu reaffirmed the army’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with strategic stakeholders, veterans, and international partners in pursuit of sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

The COAS spoke on Wednesday while receiving the leadership of the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) Alumni Association of Nigeria, led by its President, Maj.-Gen. O.O. Oshinowo (rtd), during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters.

Appreciating the association’s continued interest in national security, he acknowledged the invaluable contributions of retired senior officers to the development of military strategy and national defence.

He further reiterated the army’s resolve to expand professional military education and strengthen engagement with reputable international institutions such as the Royal College of Defence Studies.

According to him, exposure to global best practices, emerging security trends and strategic-level training remain critical to building a more adaptive, professional and mission-ready force capable of effectively contributing to the attainment of Nigeria’s national security objectives.

Earlier, Oshinowo conveyed the association’s readiness to support ongoing national security efforts by providing strategic insights, professional expertise, and policy-oriented recommendations.

Meanwhile, the army has raised a fraud alert, saying that it did not authorise individuals or groups to raise funds for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) due to take place from July 1 to July 6, 2026.

In a statement, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, said some impostors have been circulating fake letters, proposals and sponsorship requests to individuals, financial institutions, corporate organisations and government agencies, falsely claiming to represent the Nigerian Army and seeking financial support for the event.