Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has described the Nigerian Army Day Celebration as another opportunity to strengthen public support, deepen civil-military relations, and execute community development projects across Rivers State.
Shaibu said this on Sunday July 5, 2026 at the Gala Night marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Port Harcourt. He noted that in commemoration of the event, the Army undertook several intervention projects, including the renovation of Community Secondary Schools and the provision of solar-powered boreholes to improve the welfare of host communities.
Lt Gen Shaibu emphasised that achieving lasting national security requires the trust, cooperation, and active participation of citizens.
“As an Army, we recognise the indispensable role of the people in supporting our efforts to achieve national security objectives within a joint, multifaceted, and dynamic security environment.”
“Enduring security can only be achieved through a strong partnership between the military, other security agencies, and the communities we are sworn to protect.”
“This understanding forms the basis of our Civil-Military Cooperation Projects Scheme and other non-kinetic operations,” he said.
The Army Chief further expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Government and its people for their continued support of the Nigerian Army, assuring them of the military’s commitment to both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in addressing security challenges.
“We will continue to collaborate with other security and intelligence agencies, as well as local communities, to provide a secure and enabling environment for socio-economic development.
“I urge all Nigerians to continue to trust the Nigerian Army and remain steadfast in supporting our collective efforts toward ensuring lasting peace, stability, and national development,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in his speech, harped on the importance of security in building a prosperous society, stressing that peace and stability are indispensable to sustainable development.
The Governor, represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, commended the Nigerian Army for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and maintaining peace across the country.
“As everyone knows, security remains the vital foundation of any prosperous society, and a nation sleeps in peace because brave men and women stand awake in its defence,” he said.
He however, paid tribute to fallen military personnel, describing their sacrifices as invaluable to Nigeria’s unity and democratic growth.
“We honour those who have paid the ultimate price and stand in solidarity with the families they left behind. Their sacrifices continue to preserve our nation’s unity, protect our territorial integrity, and sustain our democracy,” the Governor stated.
Fubara further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies operating in the state.
According to him, the strong partnership between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has significantly contributed to improved peace, security, and economic growth in the state.
“We sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Army’s relentless efforts in maintaining law and order in Rivers State, creating an environment where residents can live and sleep peacefully,” he added.
Our correspondent reports that the evening also had special performances from Mr. P (formerly P Square), Duncan Mighty, the Rivers State Cultural Troupe and others.