𝙉𝘼𝘿𝘾𝙀𝙇 2026: 𝘾𝙊𝘼𝙎 𝙎𝙚𝙚𝙠𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙀𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for deeper collaboration between the Nigerian Army, state governments and citizens to strengthen national security and protect critical national assets across the country.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the Army Chief said sustained cooperation among all stakeholders remains essential in tackling Nigeria's evolving security challenges. The visit formed part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026), which is being hosted in Rivers State.

Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that he was in the state to participate in the week-long anniversary activities scheduled to culminate in the grand finale on July 6. He expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Government and its people for their hospitality and unwavering support, noting that the conducive environment provided by the state had greatly contributed to the successful organisation of the celebration.

The Army Chief commended the state government's continued support for the Nigerian Army, describing the partnership as vital to ongoing efforts to maintain peace, combat criminality and safeguard strategic infrastructure critical to Nigeria's economic stability. He stressed that security remains a collective responsibility, adding that stronger collaboration between the military, government institutions and local communities is necessary to sustain peace and create an enabling environment for national development.

Responding, Governor Siminalaye Fubara welcomed the Chief of Army Staff and expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for selecting Rivers State as the host of this year's Nigerian Army Day Celebration. The Governor commended Lieutenant General Shaibu's leadership, stating that the security situation in Rivers State has improved significantly under his tenure. According to him, the enhanced security environment has positively impacted economic activities, particularly increased crude oil production and the protection of critical national assets.

Governor Fubara also acknowledged the Nigerian Army's continued efforts in combating insurgency, pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and other security threats affecting the country's economic growth and national stability. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Rivers State Government to sustaining its partnership with the Nigerian Army, assuring that the state would continue to support military operations aimed at protecting lives, securing public infrastructure and promoting lasting peace across the region.

The visit further underscored the long-standing relationship between the Nigerian Army and the Rivers State Government, with both parties reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening security, fostering stability and supporting Nigeria's overall development.

ℙℝ𝕆𝔾ℝ𝔼𝕊𝕊 𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎𝕊 𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊

Security is most effective when it is driven by strong partnerships between the military, government institutions and local communities. The continued collaboration between the Nigerian Army and Rivers State demonstrates the importance of shared responsibility in addressing security challenges, protecting national assets and creating an environment where economic activities can thrive.

As Nigeria continues to confront threats such as oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of insecurity, sustained cooperation, intelligence sharing and community engagement will remain critical to achieving lasting peace and supporting national development.