The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening national security through sustained adherence to the Constitution, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights.
The COAS made this known at the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2026 in Port Harcourt, where he was represented by the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force (South South), Operation Delta Safe, Major General Everest Okoro.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Beyond Limits,” the COAS said it captured the spirit required of both security and legal institutions to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
“The theme, ‘Beyond Limits,’ aptly reflects the resilience, innovation and collective determination required of both security and legal institutions to effectively address evolving threats and build a stronger, more secure and just Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that current security challenges could not be resolved by military means alone, calling for a broader, coordinated national approach.
“Contemporary national security challenges require a whole-of-nation approach that goes beyond conventional military responses,” Major General Okoro quoted the COAS as saying.
He stressed the need for credible intelligence, the deployment of technology, and stronger inter-agency cooperation in tackling security threats, adding that no security strategy could succeed without strong institutions and justice.
“Effective security is inseparable from strong institutions, justice and the protection of citizens’ rights,” he said.
The Army chief described the Nigerian Bar Association as a key partner in deepening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensuring that military operations remain lawful and professional.
“The Nigerian Bar Association remains a critical partner in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that security operations remain professional, responsible and firmly anchored on applicable laws,” he said.
He called for closer collaboration between the Army, the legal profession, the Judiciary, and other state institutions to confront emerging threats and safeguard vulnerable populations.
“We must enhance collaboration between the Nigerian Army, the legal profession, the Judiciary and other institutions of state to address emerging security threats, protect vulnerable populations and consolidate a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
The COAS commended the NBA leadership, as well as the government and people of Rivers State, for hosting the conference, and urged participants to look beyond existing limitations.
“I urge all of us to collectively move beyond existing limitations and leverage institutional partnerships to advance national security, justice and national development,” he said.
