Follow Us on Google
From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said citizens play critical role in the security dynamics of the country.
Shaibu stated this at the inauguration of renovated community primary/secondary school in Rumuomasi in Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State on Sunday.
He said the inauguration was part of the Army’s ‘Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects’ marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, 2026.
The COAS noted the interventions were carried out in the three senatorial districts of the state and disclosed that the Nigerian Army has commissioned over 250 intervention projects across the six geopolitical zones of the country aimed at fostering public support and enhancing civilian-military cordiality.
He said: “Today’s ceremony provides the Nigerian Army yet another opportunity to foster public support, enhance cooperation, and promote community development with the good people of Rumuomasi, Obio/AKpor LGA through the renovation of the community primary/secondary school.
“We are also renovating community secondary schools in Luusue in Khana Local Government Area and the community town hall in Oyigbo Local Government Area (Rivers South-East), as well as providing a solar panel borehole in Degema Local Government Area (Rivers West), all in River State.
“As an Army, we recognize the indispensable role that people play in supporting our efforts to achieve national security objectives within a joint, multifaceted and dynamic security environment.”
He explained that the peoples’ trust, cooperation, and active participation remain vital to the success of the Army’s operations, saying enduring security can only be achieved through strong partnership between the military, other security agencies and the communities we have sworn to protect.
“This understanding informs the essence of our non-kinetic operations within this Civil-Military Cooperation Project scheme, which remains the cornerstone of our efforts in this regard.
“To this end, the Nigerian Army has successfully commissioned over 250 intervention projects across the country’s six geopolitical zones. These include the construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, schools, community town halls, laboratories, and roads, as well as the provision of solar lightning systems, borehole, and Information and Communications Technology facilities.
“These projects are designed to complement existing infrastructure provided by the government,” Shaibu added.
The COAS expressed satisfaction with the large turnout at the event, describing it as a reflection of the solidarity with the Nigerian Army and demonstration of a shared understanding of the project’s significance.
He said it also underscores the peoples ‘willful’ support in enabling the Nigerian Army to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.
Shaibu lauded the community leaders for their collaborative efforts in delivering this impactful project and urged them to take full ownership of the facility and ensure its long-term maintenance.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of Obio/Akpor local government area, Gift Worlu, lauded the Army for the intervention, saying he would ensure that the inaugurated facilities meant to enhance teaching and learning are well secured and protected.
