The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, constitutional order and the protection of fundamental human rights as part of efforts to strengthen national security and confront emerging threats.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, made the commitment at the 2026 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he called for deeper collaboration between the military, legal profession, judiciary and other institutions of state.
The conference, themed “Beyond Limits,” provided, according to Shaibu, an appropriate platform to reflect on the resilience, innovation and collective determination required to build a safer, more secure and just Nigeria.
Represented by the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force (South South), Operation DELTA SAFE, Maj. Gen. Everest Okoro, the COAS said the complexity of contemporary security challenges had made a whole-of-nation approach imperative.
He said military responses alone could no longer adequately address the country’s evolving security threats, stressing the need for credible intelligence, technological innovation, inter-agency cooperation and stronger institutional partnerships.
Shaibu maintained that effective national security must be anchored on strong institutions, justice and respect for the rights of citizens.
He described the NBA as a critical partner in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that security operations remained professional, accountable and firmly rooted in applicable laws.
The Army chief therefore urged the legal profession, judiciary, security agencies and other stakeholders to deepen cooperation in tackling emerging threats, protecting vulnerable communities and consolidating peace and stability across the country.
He said such partnerships were essential to ensuring that security operations were conducted within the ambit of the law while strengthening public confidence in the institutions responsible for protecting lives and property.
Shaibu commended the leadership of the NBA, as well as the Rivers State Government and people, for hosting the conference.
He urged participants to use the platform to move beyond existing institutional limitations and harness partnerships that would advance national security, justice and sustainable development.
The COAS’s position underscores the Army’s determination to balance its constitutional responsibility to defend the nation with the imperative of upholding democratic values, the rule of law and fundamental rights.