The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, the Oba of Lagos, at the Iga Idugaran Palace, seeking to strengthen collaboration between the Nigerian Army and traditional institutions.
The visit aimed at appreciating the monarch for his longstanding support of Army formations in Lagos and soliciting his continued blessings for ongoing military operations. Shaibu praised Oba Akiolu for what he described as a “consistent fatherly role” in supporting the Nigerian Army’s efforts across the state.
“We are here to express our profound appreciation to Your Majesty and the council of Obas. Our customs and traditions are sacrosanct, and as we carry out our duties, we must continue to honour them. Your guidance and goodwill have been invaluable to our operational and civil–military cooperation efforts,” Shaibu said.
He further emphasized that the Army remains committed not only to securing the nation but also to deepening relationships with traditional leaders, whom he described as “critical partners in peace and security.”
Responding to the COAS’s visit, Oba Akiolu lauded the Nigerian Army for its steadfast dedication to Nigeria’s stability.
“The Army remains a major pillar on which this nation stands. Your officers continue to make sacrifices every day, and their professionalism has contributed immensely to maintaining peace,” the monarch said.
“I pray for sustained peace in Nigeria and for God to guide you as you lead the Army,” he added, praising General Shaibu’s leadership.
Context of the Visit
The palace engagement is part of the Army’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with traditional rulers, who play pivotal roles in community cooperation, conflict mediation, and national security. The COAS’s outreach underscores the Army’s recognition that lasting peace requires integrated efforts between formal security agencies and indigenous leadership structures.
In November, General Shaibu urged Nigerians to support the military’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and other security threats nationwide. His call comes amid growing concerns over insecurity, including the recent deadly attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, where gunmen killed worshippers and abducted several others.
The incident sparked public outrage, with local youths blocking a major highway to protest perceived inadequate security. In response, the Kwara State Government requested urgent reinforcement to prevent further attacks.
Shaibu noted that defeating terrorists requires a collective effort, stressing that communities, traditional leaders, and citizens play crucial roles in providing timely information and supporting security agencies.
The COAS’s visit also included engagements with Army personnel and commissioning welfare and infrastructure projects, reflecting his dual focus on enhancing troop morale and fostering strategic collaboration with civic partners.
