The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army towards the strengthening of collaboration with strategic stakeholders, veterans and international partners in pursuit of sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
A statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele Acting Director Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army said the COAS made this known on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, while receiving the leadership of the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) Alumni Association of Nigeria, led by its President, Major General OO Oshinowo (Rtd), during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters.
Lieutenant General Shaibu appreciated the delegation for its continued interest in national security and acknowledged the invaluable contributions of retired senior officers to the development of military strategy and national defence. He emphasized that the Nigerian Army would continue to leverage the wealth of experience, institutional knowledge and strategic perspectives of veterans and defence professionals in addressing contemporary security challenges.
The COAS further reiterated the resolve of the Nigerian Army to expand professional military education and strengthen engagement with reputable international institutions such as the Royal College of Defence Studies. He noted that exposure to global best practices, emerging security trends and strategic-level training remained critical to building a more adaptive, professional and mission-ready force capable of effectively contributing to the attainment of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
Earlier, Major General Oshinowo (Rtd) conveyed the Association’s readiness to support ongoing national security efforts through the provision of strategic insights, professional expertise and policy-oriented recommendations. He noted that the Association, inaugurated in 2017 and comprising senior military and civilian leaders trained at the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies, remains committed to contributing meaningfully to the nation’s security discourse.
The RCDS Alumni President 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 prevailing momentum of ongoing operations would continue to degrade criminal networks and enhance national stability, peace and development.
