A prominent pro-democracy civil rights movement, the Centre for Public Integrity (CPI),has commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for what it described as a “remarkable and historic transformation” in the Nigerian Army’s operations, particularly in the areas of security restoration and civil-military relations.
In a formal statement issued on Sunday and signed by the group’s convener, Dr. John Samuel Nang, the coalition stated that the military, under the current leadership of Lt. Gen. Shaibu, has demonstrated unprecedented professionalism and strategic efficiency across the northern region and the country at large.
According to the statement, the Nigerian Army has made measurable strides in neutralizing security threats that have long plagued the region.
“Under the visionary leadership of Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Nigerian Army has taken a decisive and relentless fight to the enclaves of Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits in the North-East and North-West,” Dr. Nang stated. “Terrorist strongholds are being dismantled, key commanders are being neutralized, and displaced communities are finally regaining the confidence to return to their ancestral homes and farms.”
The group noted that the proactive approach of the military has drastically reduced the frequency of raids, kidnappings, and highway ambushes that once crippled economic activities in the North.
A New Era of Military-Civil Engagement
Highlighting the shift in community relations, Dr. Nang emphasized that civil-military engagement has now become standardized, professional, and empathetic.
Historically plagued by mutual suspicion, the relationship between civilians and security forces has seen a profound positive shift. The rights advocate credited the COAS for enforcing strict adherence to human rights, rules of engagement, and community-focused outreach initiatives.
“Today, citizens no longer view the soldier as an object of fear, but as a protector and partner in peacebuilding,” the statement read. “The Army’s Civil-Military Affairs department has stepped up efforts through corporate social responsibility, community dialogues, and medical outreaches. This standard of professionalism has fostered deep trust between rural communities and troops on the frontline.”
Seamless Inter-Agency Cooperation
Furthermore, the coalition praised the COAS for promoting synergy among Nigeria’s security architecture. The statement highlighted that the Nigerian Army’s willingness to foster a cordial and collaborative relationship with the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local vigilante groups has yielded superior intelligence gathering and faster response times.
“The era of inter-agency rivalry is rapidly giving way to strategic synergy. This unified front among our security agencies has proven to be the nightmare of criminal elements,” Dr. Nang added.
Concluding the statement, Dr. John Samuel Nang urged Nigerians to continue providing useful and timely intelligence to the military.
“Security is a collective responsibility. As the military under Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu continues to deliver on its mandate, we call on all patriotic citizens to support our troops, respect the law, and stand united against those who threaten the peace and sovereignty of our nation.”
