Nigeria’s sacrifice brought stability to Liberia says COAS
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s sacrifice helped restore peace and stability in the Republic of Liberia, describing the country’s military intervention during Liberia’s civil conflict as deliberate, strategic and foundational to the West African nation’s recovery. Speaking at the 69th Armed Forces Day Anniversary in Monrovia, Shaibu said Nigerian troops bore the heaviest burden in the peace enforcement mission, laying the groundwork for national reconciliation, democratic transition and post-conflict reconstruction in Liberia. 
“We did not intervene by accident or by chance,” Lieutenant General Shaibu told dignitaries, international partners and senior military officers at the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) celebrations held at the Barclay Training Center. “Nigeria’s intervention was a demonstration of leadership, sacrifice and shared commitment to regional stability,” he said, stressing that Nigeria’s role went beyond combat operations to become a critical pillar in rebuilding Liberia’s military and political institutions. 
A Mission of Shared Responsibility
Shaibu, who leads Africa’s largest army, highlighted that Nigeria’s soldiers were at the core of the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) peace enforcement coalition that intervened in Liberia’s brutal civil war in the 1990s. Nigerian troops, he said, formed the backbone of the mission, carrying out the heaviest operational responsibilities, sustaining casualties and taking risks to prevent state collapse while creating space for peace negotiations and eventual democratic elections. 
“Today’s peace and stability in Liberia are partly the result of the sacrifices made by Nigerian soldiers who stood shoulder to shoulder with regional partners,” Shaibu told the gathering. He recalled personal experiences serving with Liberian forces and participating in early reform processes that helped restore order to a fractured defence establishment. 
The COAS’s comments underscore Nigeria’s long-standing role as a key security actor within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where it has often taken lead roles in peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions — from Liberia and Sierra Leone decades ago to ongoing support roles across the region. 
The Weight of History: Liberia’s Civil War and Nigeria’s Intervention
Liberia’s civil conflict, which began in 1989 and spanned more than a decade, devastated the country, claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions. In response, ECOWAS authorised a regional military intervention in 1990 under the banner of ECOMOG, with Nigeria as the principal contributor. Nigerian forces helped stabilise urban centres, secure humanitarian corridors and support negotiations between warring factions. 
The COAS’s speech at the AFL anniversary came as part of a broader defence diplomacy engagement aimed at strengthening ties between the Nigerian Army and its Liberian counterpart while reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to peace and security in West Africa. Shaibu’s presence at the celebrations — widely viewed as a symbol of both commemoration and continued partnership — was described by Liberian officials as a testament to the mutual respect between the two militaries. 
https://ogelenews.ng/nigerias-sacrifice-brought-stability-to-liberia-say…
Recognition of Sacrifice and Leadership
At the event, Liberia recognised two senior Nigerian Army officers, Brigadier General Mohammed Sani Usman and Brigadier General Owoicho Egiga, with the Distinguished Service Order of Liberia in appreciation of Nigeria’s contributions. The awards reflect Liberia’s gratitude for the support that helped restore stability and rebuild national institutions after years of conflict and political turmoil. 
Speaking at the ceremony, Shaibu acknowledged the toll the mission took on Nigerian soldiers and families. “Many Nigerian servicemen paid the ultimate price; many more carried wounds seen and unseen,” he said. “Their sacrifice, their courage and their dedication to duty helped stop the spiral of violence and created the conditions for Liberia’s gradual return to peace.” 
Rebuilding Peace and Democratic Institutions
Beyond immediate peace enforcement, Nigeria’s contribution to Liberia’s stability included helping reconstruct the nation’s defence institutions, training new officers, advising on military reforms and fostering professional standards that align with democratic norms. Shaibu recalled his personal involvement in early reforms of the Armed Forces of Liberia, describing it as part of a collective effort with regional partners to build a capable, professional and accountable military that could contribute to national security without undermining civil authority. 
He urged the current leadership of the AFL to preserve the values of sacrifice, professionalism and loyalty to constitutional order, warning that peace is fragile and must be defended through unity, discipline and respect for democratic institutions. 
“Security is not just the absence of war. It is the presence of justice, respect for rights and peaceful coexistence,” he told Liberian officers, emphasising that the enduring legacy of Nigeria’s involvement lies in the stability and unity that many Liberians now enjoy. 
Strategic Defence Diplomacy and Regional Security
The COAS’s visit to Monrovia and his remarks on Nigeria’s role in Liberia highlight a broader commitment to West African security cooperation. Through defence diplomacy, Nigeria seeks not only to commemorate historical ties but also to address emerging threats — from insurgency and terrorism to transnational crime and instability — that transcend national borders and require collective responses. 
Shaibu’s message went beyond nostalgia, calling on African militaries to deepen collaboration, share intelligence and strengthen institutional ties that can pre-empt conflicts and build resilience. “Our shared history in peace operations is not just a memory; it is a blueprint for collective security in an uncertain world,” he said, underscoring that the stability enjoyed by Liberia today is inseparable from regional solidarity and sacrifice. 
Nigeria’s role in Liberia remains a cornerstone of its regional engagement strategy, with Abuja continuing to support capacity building, joint training exercises and defence collaborations that reflect mutual interests and shared values. 
A Legacy of Shared Struggle and Hope
As the celebrations drew to a close, military leaders from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to peace, mutual respect and continued cooperation. Liberia’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Major General Davidson Forley, praised Nigeria’s contributions as “a beacon of hope” for regional security and stability — sentiments echoed by various international observers attending the event. 
For many Liberians, Nigeria’s sacrifice is woven into the nation’s modern history — a reminder that stability was hard-won and remains a shared responsibility that must be nurtured by future generations. 
https://thenationonlineng.net/coas-attends-liberias-armed-forces-day-pledges-stronger-defence-ties
Nigeria’s sacrifice brought stability to Liberia says COAS
