Nigeria–Liberia Defence Relations Strengthened as COAS Arrives for Armed Forces Day

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has arrived in the Republic of Liberia on an official visit at the invitation of the Armed Forces of Liberia to participate in the country’s 69th Armed Forces Day Celebration, scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
Upon arrival, Lieutenant General Shaibu was warmly received by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Major General Davidson Forley. In a ceremonial display of military honour, the Nigerian Army Chief inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by the Armed Forces of Liberia, underscoring the strong professional ties and mutual respect between both militaries.
As part of his engagements, the COAS paid a courtesy visit to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Liberia, where he was received by the Chargé d’Affaires, Ambassador Rahmat Muhammad. During the visit, Lieutenant General Shaibu interacted with embassy officials and commended their role in strengthening Nigeria–Liberia bilateral relations and protecting Nigerian interests in the host country.
The visit further reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to defence diplomacy, the enhancement of bilateral military cooperation, and the promotion of regional security collaboration within the West African sub-region. His participation in the Armed Forces Day celebration highlights Nigeria’s resolve to deepen professional solidarity and strategic partnerships with sister African armed forces in addressing evolving security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu is expected to deliver an address at the ceremony, during which Liberia will mark its military heritage, operational milestones, and the critical role of the Armed Forces in national development and stability.
It is noteworthy that Lieutenant General Shaibu previously served as Military Assistant to a former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the development of Liberia’s defence sector, he was conferred with the Distinguished Service Order, one of Liberia’s highest military honours.