Citizens’ role crucial in achieving national security objectives — COAS

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said citizens’ support is indispensable to achieving national security objectives.

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Shaibu stated this on Sunday at the inauguration of a renovated community primary and secondary school in Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

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The COAS said the inauguration was part of the Nigerian Army’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

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The interventions include the complete renovation of classroom blocks in both the primary and secondary school sections, the provision of desks, the construction of three new toilets, the distribution of writing materials, new uniforms and school bags for pupils and students, among other items.

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While noting that the interventions cut across the three senatorial districts of the state, the COAS disclosed that the Nigerian Army has commissioned over 250 intervention projects across the country’s six geopolitical zones to foster public support and enhance civil-military cooperation.

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Shaibu 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 Local Government Area, through the renovation of the community primary and secondary school.

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“We are also renovating community secondary schools in Luusue, Khana Local Government Area, and the community town hall in Oyigbo Local Government Area (Rivers South-East), as well as providing a solar-powered borehole in Degema Local Government Area (Rivers West), all in Rivers State.

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“As an Army, we recognise the indispensable role that the people play in supporting our efforts to achieve national security objectives within a joint, multifaceted and dynamic security environment.”

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He explained that the people’s trust, cooperation and active participation remain vital to the success of the Army’s operations, adding that enduring security can only be achieved through strong partnerships among the military, other security agencies and the communities they are sworn to protect.

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“This understanding informs the essence of our non-kinetic operations under this Civil-Military Cooperation Project scheme, which remains the cornerstone of our efforts in this regard.

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“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 lighting systems, boreholes and Information and Communications Technology facilities.

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“These projects are designed to complement existing infrastructure provided by the government,” Shaibu added.

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The Army Chief expressed delight at the large turnout at the event, describing it as a reflection of solidarity with the Nigerian Army and a demonstration of a shared understanding of the significance of the project.

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He said it also underscored the people’s support in enabling the Nigerian Army to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.

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Shaibu lauded the community leaders for their collaborative efforts in delivering the project and urged them to take full ownership of the facility and ensure its long-term maintenance.

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In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Gift Worlu, lauded the Army for the intervention, saying he would ensure that the facilities inaugurated to enhance teaching and learning are well secured and protected.

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