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, to participate in the country’s Sixty-Ninth Armed Forces Day Celebration scheduled for Wednesday, 11 February 2026.
According to a statement by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, “on arrival, the COAS was warmly received by the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia, Major General Davidson Forley. In a demonstration of military honour and mutual respect, Lieutenant General Shaibu inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by the Armed Forces of Liberia. The ceremonial reception underscored the enduring professional relationship between both armed forces and reflected the high esteem in which the Republic of Liberia holds the Nigerian Army.
As part of his official engagements, the COAS also visited 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 efforts in strengthening Nigeria–Liberia bilateral relations, as well as in safeguarding Nigerian interests in the host country.
The visit reaffirms Nigeria’s sustained commitment to defence diplomacy, the enhancement of bilateral military cooperation and the strengthening of regional security collaboration within the West African sub-region. The COAS’s participation in the Armed Forces Day Celebration further highlights Nigeria’s resolve to promote professional solidarity and strategic partnerships with sister African militaries in addressing emerging security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu is expected to deliver an address at the Sixty-Ninth Armed Forces Day Celebration, during which Liberia will commemorate its military heritage, operational achievements and the critical role of the Armed Forces in national development and stability.
Notably, Lieutenant General Shaibu previously served as Military Assistant to the former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of Liberia’s defence sector, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, one of the country’s highest military honours.