By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with veterans, strategic stakeholders and international partners to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Shaibu made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) Alumni Association of Nigeria, led by its President, retired Maj.-Gen. OO Oshinowo, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The COAS said sustainable solutions to contemporary security threats required stronger partnerships, professional expertise and the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
He commended the association for its sustained interest in national security matters and acknowledged the significant contributions of retired senior military officers to military strategy, defence planning and national development.
According to him, the Nigerian Army will continue to leverage the wealth of experience, institutional knowledge and strategic perspectives of veterans and defence professionals in addressing emerging security challenges.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to strengthening collaboration with strategic stakeholders, veterans and international partners in pursuit of sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges,” he said.
Shaibu also reiterated the Army’s resolve to expand professional military education and deepen engagement with reputable international institutions, including the Royal College of Defence Studies.
He noted that exposure to global best practices, emerging security trends and strategic-level training remained essential to building a more adaptive, professional and mission-ready force.
According to him, such initiatives will further enhance the Army’s capacity to contribute effectively to the attainment of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
Earlier, Oshinowo pledged the association’s continued support to national security efforts through the provision of strategic insights, professional expertise and policy-oriented recommendations.
He said the association, inaugurated in 2017, comprised senior military officers and civilian leaders trained at the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies and remained committed to contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s security discourse.
Oshinowo commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their sustained operational successes against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality across the country.
He expressed confidence that the momentum of ongoing military operations would continue to degrade criminal networks and enhance national stability, peace and development.
The visit, according to him, reflects the association’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at strengthening national security and promoting strategic thinking in addressing contemporary threats. (NAN)
