The Centre for Public Integrity (CPI), a pro-democracy civil rights movement, has commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, over what it described as a remarkable and historic transformation in the Nigerian Army’s operations, particularly in security restoration and civil-military relations.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the group’s convener, Dr. John Samuel Nang, CPI said the Army under Shaibu had demonstrated what it described as unprecedented professionalism and strategic efficiency across the northern region and the country.

The group said the military had made measurable progress in tackling security threats that had long affected communities in the North.

“Under the visionary leadership of Lt. Gen. Shaibu, the Nigerian Army has taken a decisive and relentless fight to the enclaves of Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits in the North-East and North-West.

“Terrorist strongholds are being dismantled, key commanders are being neutralized, and displaced communities are finally regaining the confidence to return to their ancestral homes and farms,” the group stated.

According to CPI, the military’s proactive approach had drastically reduced the frequency of raids, kidnappings and highway ambushes that previously disrupted economic activities in the region.

The group also commended what it described as a positive shift in relations between the military and civilian communities.

Nang said civil-military engagement had become more standardised, professional and empathetic under the current Army leadership, while crediting the COAS with enforcing adherence to human rights, rules of engagement and community-focused outreach initiatives.

“Today, citizens no longer view the soldier as an object of fear, but as a protector and partner in peacebuilding.

“The Army’s Civil-Military Affairs department has stepped up efforts through corporate social responsibility, community dialogues, and medical outreaches. This standard of professionalism has fostered deep trust between rural communities and troops on the frontline,” the statement reads.

CPI further praised the Army’s collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and local vigilante groups.
It said improved cooperation among the agencies had strengthened intelligence gathering and response to security threats.

“The era of inter-agency rivalry is rapidly giving way to strategic synergy. This unified front among our security agencies has proven to be the nightmare of criminal elements,” Nang added.

The group urged Nigerians to continue providing timely and useful intelligence to security agencies to support efforts to protect communities and maintain national security.

“Security is a collective responsibility. As the military under Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu continues to deliver on its mandate, we call on all patriotic citizens to support our troops, respect the law, and stand united against those who threaten the peace and sovereignty of our nation,” Nang stated.