The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to placing people at the centre of national security, as he commissioned a series of newly renovated community projects and installed solar-powered boreholes across the senatorial districts of Rivers State.
A statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele Acting Director Army public relations said the projects commissioned include: Community Secondary School, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area , Rivers East Senatorial District, Community Secondary School, Lueku (Lussue), Khana Local Government Area, Rivers South-East Senatorial District; a Community Town Hall in Oyigbo Local Government Area Rivers South-East Senatorial District and a solar-powered borehole in Degema Local Government Area Rivers West Senatorial District.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Sunday, 5 July 2026, as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, was more than the unveiling of infrastructure, it symbolised the restoration of dignity, opportunity and hope for students, teachers, and host communities.
Speaking at the event, the COAS described the interventions as a reflection of the Nigerian Army’s deepening bond with the people. He noted that through its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives, the Army is not only addressing security challenges but also responding to critical community needs that directly affect daily life.
He explained that similar projects ranging from school renovations and town hall rehabilitations to the provision of solar-powered boreholes are all aimed at improving living standards and strengthening trust between the military and civilians. According to him, sustainable security is built not only through military capability but through collaboration, shared responsibility and public support.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further disclosed that the Nigerian Army has executed over 250 intervention projects nationwide, including hospitals, classrooms, roads, ICT centres, solar lighting systems and water facilities. He noted that previously dilapidated schools, such as the one in Rumumasi, have now been transformed into safe and conducive learning environments, reinforcing the Army’s belief that education is a vital pillar for long-term peace and national stability.
The COAS commended the benefiting communities for their cooperation and urged residents to take ownership of the projects by safeguarding and maintaining them for future generations. He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his continued support in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army. He reaffirmed the loyalty and commitment of officers, soldiers and civilian staff to the Constitution and to the defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity.
Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, stated that the projects were executed under the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation Programme to improve infrastructure and strengthen relationships with host communities. He added that four key intervention projects were completed across the three senatorial districts of Rivers State as part of NADCEL 2026, ensuring equitable distribution and impact.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Honourable Gift Worlu, described the interventions as transformative and impactful. He noted that the renovated schools would significantly improve learning conditions and restore hope among students and teachers. He conveyed the appreciation of the people of Obio/Akpor and the wider Rivers community to the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government, assuring that the facilities would be protected and properly maintained.
The event underscored the Nigerian Army’s enduring commitment to not only defending the nation but also uplifting communities reinforcing the belief that true security is rooted in empowered, supported and hpeful citizens.
