Civil-military Relationship Crucial In Nation-building – COAS

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has declared that partnership between the military and civilians is crucial to the development of the country.

Shaibu stated this yesterday during a medical outreach held in Okrika community, Rivers State, as part of the activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

The COAS, who was represented by the commander, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General Emmanuel Mustapha, said healthy population is crucial to national development.

“The Nigerian Army Day Celebration provides us with an opportunity not only to commemorate the gallantry, sacrifices and achievements of our officers and soldiers in the defence of our nation, but also to strengthen our bond with the communities we serve.

This medical outreach is a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the health, well-being and prosperity of the Nigerian people.

“The Nigerian Army recognizes that security and development are closely linked. A healthy population is fundamental to national development and enduring peace.

“While our troops continue to confront insecurity across various theatre of operation, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities, we remain committed to supporting civil authorities through humanitarian and community-oriented programmes such as this.

“Today’s outreach is intended to to provide free medical consultations, laboratory investigations, treatment, health education and referral services to members of this community,” he said.

The Army chief expressed optimism the medical outreach would not only address immediate health issues, but also encourage healthy lifestyles and greater awareness of disease prevention.

He commended Okrika LGA for its cooperation and assured that the Nigerian Army will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to promote peace, security and development.

The COAS encouraged them to continue to support the security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in combating criminality and ensuring the safety of communities.

“As we commemorate this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration, let us renew our collective resolve to build a peaceful, United and prosperous Nigeria. Together, we can overcome our security challenges and create an environment where every citizen can thrive,” he said.

Earlier, Commander, Corps of Medical, Brigadier General Innocent Enwuchola, said beyond constitutional responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of country, the Nigerian Army remains committed to supporting the health and well-being of the citizens through various civil-military cooperation activities like the medical outreach.

The commander said Nigerian Army recognises that good health is fundamental to productivity, community development and national progress.

“It is for this reason the Nigerian Army continues to deploy its professional experts and to complement existing healthcare services across the country,” he said.