The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has arrived in the Republic of Liberia on an official engagement at the invitation of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
Lieutenant General Shaibu is in Liberia to participate in the country’s Sixty-Ninth Armed Forces Day Celebration scheduled for Tuesday, 11 February 2026.
On arrival, the COAS was warmly received by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Major General Davidson Forley. In a show of honour and military tradition, Lieutenant General Shaibu inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by the Armed Forces of Liberia, underscoring the strong professional ties and mutual respect between the two sister armed forces.
The ceremonial reception, military sources said, symbolised the high esteem in which the Republic of Liberia holds the Nigerian Army and reflected the long-standing cooperation between both nations.
As part of his visit, the Nigerian Army Chief also paid a courtesy call on the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Liberia. He was received by the Chargé d’Affaires, Ambassador Rahmat Muhammad.
During the visit, Lieutenant General Shaibu interacted with embassy officials and commended their efforts in strengthening Nigeria–Liberia bilateral relations as well as protecting Nigerian interests in the host country.
The trip is seen as part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to defence diplomacy and regional security collaboration within the West African sub-region.
According to military authorities, the visit underscores Nigeria’s determination to deepen bilateral military cooperation and reinforce strategic partnerships with African allies in addressing emerging security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu is expected to join Liberian military and government officials at the Armed Forces Day event, where the country will commemorate its military heritage, operational achievements and the role of the Armed Forces in national development and stability.
The Nigerian Army Chief has a long-standing professional connection with Liberia, having previously served as Military Assistant to a former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
In recognition of his contributions to the development of Liberia’s defence sector, he was honoured with the Distinguished Service Order—one of the highest military awards of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
His participation in the 69th Armed Forces Day Celebration further highlights Nigeria’s enduring solidarity with Liberia and its continued leadership role in promoting peace, stability and security across the region.
