Years after Nigeria pulled its troops from the once war-torn country, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has arrived Republic of Liberia and will address the 69th Armed Forces of Liberia Day Celebration scheduled for today Wednesday, 11 February 2026.
The last batch of Nigerian peacekeepers, who were part of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), withdrew from Liberia in February 2018. This departure marked the end of a long-term peacekeeping presence by Nigerian forces that began in 2003 following the Second Liberian Civil War.
Nigeria, had in October 1990, deployed over 5,000, about 84%, of the 6,000 troops under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) that were sent to Liberia during the first civil war, which began in 1989.
Because of Nigeria’s contributions to the restoration of peace in Liberia, two Nigerians – late Lieutenant General Luka Yusuf (who later became Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff) and Major General Suraj Abdurrahman, served as Command Officer-In-Charge of Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). Incidentally, Lieutenant General Shaibu served as Military Assistant to the Command Officer-In-Charge of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
According to a statement by Army Headquarters Abuja, General Shaibu, on arrival “was warmly received by the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia, Major General Davidson Forley.
“In a demonstration of military honour and mutual respect, Lieutenant General Shaibu inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by the Armed Forces of Liberia. The ceremonial reception underscored the enduring professional relationship between both armed forces and reflected the high esteem in which the Republic of Liberia holds the Nigerian Army.”
According to the statement, “as part of his official engagements, the COAS also visited the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Liberia, where he was received by the Chargé d’Affaires, Ambassador Rahmat Muhammad. During the visit, Lieutenant General Shaibu interacted with embassy officials and commended their efforts in strengthening Nigeria–Liberia bilateral relations, as well as in safeguarding Nigerian interests in the host country.
“The visit reaffirms Nigeria’s sustained commitment to defence diplomacy, the enhancement of bilateral military cooperation and the strengthening of regional security collaboration within the West African sub-region. The COAS’s participation in the Armed Forces Day Celebration further highlights Nigeria’s resolve to promote professional solidarity and strategic partnerships with sister African militaries in addressing emerging security challenges.
“Lieutenant General Shaibu is expected to deliver an address at the Sixty-Ninth Armed Forces Day Celebration, during which Liberia will commemorate its military heritage, operational achievements and the critical role of the Armed Forces in national development and stability.
“Notably, Lieutenant General Shaibu previously served as Military Assistant to the former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of Liberia’s defence sector, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, one of the country’s highest military honours.”