By Esther Oseyimon
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and security, as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said Liberia’s current stability stems from Nigeria’s decisive intervention during its civil war.
The COAS made the remarks at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia during the 69th Armed Forces Day Anniversary of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), where he 6attended as Special Guest of Honour.
He stated that Nigeria’s intervention was a deliberate foreign policy decision aimed at preventing state collapse and safeguarding West African stability.
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that Nigerian troops played a leading role under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).
He said Nigerian forces formed the operational backbone of peace enforcement missions and undertook some of the most demanding combat and stabilisation tasks.
According to him, the troops recorded casualties while working to restore order and protect Liberia’s sovereignty.
The COAS added that Nigeria committed troops, logistics, funding and sustained political support over an extended period.
He explained that the effort laid the foundation for Liberia’s reconciliation, democratic transition and post-conflict reconstruction.
Reflecting on reforms, Shaibu disclosed that he participated in the early rebuilding of the Armed Forces of Liberia alongside international partners.
He noted that officers mentored during the reform phase now hold strategic positions, while two senior Nigerian Army officers were decorated with Liberia’s Distinguished Service Order in recognition of Nigeria’s enduring contributions.