Nigeria Endured Greatest Sacrifice During Liberia's Civil Conflict – Army Chief

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, affirmed that Nigeria was pivotal in reestablishing peace in Liberia, noting that Nigerian military personnel bore most of the operational load throughout the country's civil strife.

This assertion was made on Wednesday, February 11, at the Barclay Training Centre in Monrovia during the 69th Armed Forces Day celebration of the Armed Forces of Liberia. His statements were relayed through a release from the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele.

COAS Shaibu attributed the present stability in Liberia to a combination of strong political will, regional cooperation, and the sacrifices of Nigerian forces.

“The stability seen in Liberia today is a direct result of determined governmental actions, African unity, and the dedicated efforts of the Nigerian Army,” he elaborated.

He went on to clarify that Nigeria's involvement through the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) was not just a tactical engagement but a strategic choice aligning with its broader foreign and defense policies.

“It was a well-considered initiative, not an incidental one; it was aimed at fostering West African stability,” Shaibu emphasized.

Reflecting on the civil war era, the COAS noted that Nigerian troops were instrumental to the peace enforcement mission, taking on the most challenging responsibilities and incurring substantial losses during the conflict.

“Our forces took on the most significant operational demands to prevent the collapse of the state, restore public order, and defend Liberia's sovereignty,” he pointed out.

Shaibu added that Nigeria made considerable contributions in terms of troops, resources, and political backing over a sustained period, which laid the foundation for national reconciliation, democratic development, and the reconstruction of post-war Liberia.

During the event, two high-ranking Nigerian Army officers, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Sani Usman and Brig. Gen. Owoicho Egiga, were honored with Liberia's Distinguished Service Order in recognition of their service to the Armed Forces of Liberia.

In discussing Liberia's military reform, Shaibu recounted his role in overhauling the Armed Forces of Liberia, calling the experience akin to