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 in addressing contemporary security challenges.

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

The COAS made this known on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, 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.

Shaibu appreciated the association for its continued interest in national security and acknowledged the invaluable contributions of retired senior officers to the development of military strategy and national defence.

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

The army chief noted that exposure to global best practices, emerging security trends and strategic-level training remained 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 through the provision of strategic insights, professional expertise and policy-oriented recommendations.

He noted that the association, inaugurated in 2017 and comprising senior military and civilian leaders trained at the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies, remains committed to contributing meaningfully to the nation’s security discourse.

The RCDS alumni President commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their sustained operational successes against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality across the country.

He expressed confidence that the prevailing momentum of ongoing operations would continue to degrade criminal networks and enhance national stability, peace and development.

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 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.

“The Nigerian Army categorically and unequivocally states that any such request for funds, sponsorship, donations or partnerships that is not expressly authorised through official Nigerian Army channels is fraudulent and should be treated as a criminal act.

“All legitimate communications regarding the celebration are strictly conveyed through recognised and verifiable Nigerian Army platforms and channels,” Anele said.

She urged the public, corporate bodies, financial institutions and government agencies to exercise extreme caution and vigilance, adding “Please do not respond to, engage with or honour any unsolicited financial request made in the name of the Nigerian Army without proper verification.”

She stated that the Service, in collaboration with its Cyber Warfare Command, Military Police and other relevant security agencies, has intensified efforts to identify, track and bring to justice all those involved in soliciting for funds and sponsorship on behalf of the army, an act, Anele described as criminal.