The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger collective efforts among military veterans and serving officers to enhance national security.
The Army Chief made the appeal on Wednesday during a reunion with members of the 41 Regular Combatant Course Alumni Association of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The event, described as an emotional and inspiring reunion, brought together former coursemates bound by decades of shared service, sacrifice, and commitment to the nation.
Welcoming the delegation, Lt. Gen. Shaibu expressed profound appreciation for the visit, describing his coursemates as “an integral part of his success journey.” He emphasized that the bond formed at the NDA remains unbroken and continues to shape their collective contributions to the Nigerian Army and the country.
Reaffirming his commitment to collaboration, the COAS said his colleagues—both serving and retired—have been actively engaging with him on strategies to build a safer and more secure Nigeria. He urged them to remain his “eyes and ears,” stressing that their insights and experience are vital to the success of his leadership. “Together, we can make Nigeria safer, stronger, and more united,” he stated.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of the 41 Regular Combatant Course Alumni Association, Major Lancelot Anyanya (Rtd), congratulated Lt. Gen. Shaibu on his appointment as the 25th Chief of Army Staff. He described the Army Chief as “a friend, brother, and leader whose elevation has brought immense joy and pride” to members of their course across all arms of the Armed Forces.
Major Anyanya noted that the 41 Regular Course represents the first post-jubilee generation of officers of the NDA, renowned for excellence and professionalism. He commended Lt. Gen. Shaibu’s exceptional service record and leadership qualities, recalling his distinction as the Academy Cadet Adjutant over three decades ago.
He expressed confidence that the COAS would continue to lead the Nigerian Army with excellence and integrity, in alignment with the vision of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The delegation also extended warm congratulations to Mrs. Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, wife of the COAS and National President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), for her steadfast support and leadership.
