Esther Oseyimon
Nigeria yesterday restated its leadership role in West Africa’s security architecture as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, linked Liberia’s enduring peace to Nigeria’s decisive military and diplomatic intervention during the country’s brutal civil war.
Speaking at the Barclay Training Center, Monrovia, during the 69th Armed Forces Day Anniversary of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Shaibu said Nigeria’s engagement was a strategic choice aimed at preventing state collapse and preserving regional stability.
He explained that Nigeria’s intervention, executed largely under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), went beyond symbolism, with Nigerian troops forming the operational backbone of peace enforcement and stabilisation efforts.
According to him, Nigerian forces undertook some of the most demanding combat operations, recorded casualties, and made sacrifices necessary to halt the descent into chaos and safeguard Liberia’s sovereignty.
Shaibu said the Federal Government demonstrated uncommon regional leadership by committing troops, logistics, finances and sustained political will over a prolonged period, actions he noted laid the groundwork for Liberia’s reconciliation and democratic rebirth.
Reflecting on the post-war phase, the Army Chief disclosed his personal involvement in the early rebuilding of the AFL, working alongside the late Major General Suraj Alawo Abdurrahman and international partners to restructure the force.
He said the reform process focused on professionalising the Liberian military while it remained operational, ensuring discipline, accountability and adherence to international military standards.
The COAS expressed satisfaction that officers mentored during the reform years now occupy key leadership positions, describing today’s AFL as a product of consistent cooperation and institutional continuity.
Turning to emerging threats, Shaibu warned that drug trafficking, cybercrime, maritime insecurity and transnational criminal networks now pose grave risks to state authority and regional peace.
He particularly cautioned against the spread of synthetic drugs, which he said threatens youth development and long-term national security across the sub-region.
In recognition of Nigeria’s role, Liberia decorated two senior Nigerian officers, Brigadier General Mohammed Sani Usman and Brigadier General Owoicho Egiga with the Distinguished Service Order for their contributions to strengthening the AFL and deepening bilateral defence cooperation.