Nigeria’s military intervention during Liberia’s civil war played a decisive role in restoring peace and stability to the West African nation, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said.
Shaibu made the assertion on Wednesday in Monrovia at the Barclay Training Centre while speaking at events marking the 69th Armed Forces Day Anniversary of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
According to him, Nigerian troops carried the bulk of peace enforcement responsibilities under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), absorbing heavy casualties in the process to prevent state collapse and safeguard Liberia’s sovereignty.
“The peace Liberia enjoys today is the result of deliberate political resolve, African unity and the sacrifices of the Nigerian Army,” Shaibu stated.
He explained that Nigeria’s involvement was not motivated by material gain but driven by a strategic foreign policy commitment to regional stability and collective security across West Africa.
Recalling the civil war period, the army chief said Nigeria demonstrated leadership by deploying personnel, logistics and sustained political support over several years, actions which he noted laid the groundwork for Liberia’s reconciliation, democratic transition and post-war reconstruction.
In recognition of Nigeria’s contributions, two senior Nigerian officers — Brigadier Generals Mohammed Sani Usman and Owoicho Egiga — were honoured with Liberia’s Distinguished Service Order during the ceremony.
Shaibu, who was personally involved in restructuring Liberia’s military after the conflict, described the reform process as rebuilding an aircraft mid-flight — a complex effort carried out while the force remained operational.
He expressed satisfaction that officers mentored during the early stages of the reform now occupy key leadership positions within the AFL, describing the Liberian military as a model of successful regional partnership and institutional rebuilding.
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The army chief urged Liberian forces to uphold professionalism, loyalty to constitutional authority and a culture of sacrifice, while reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to continue providing advisory and capacity-building support.
Addressing emerging security concerns, Shaibu warned that drug trafficking, cybercrime, maritime insecurity and organised criminal networks now pose serious threats to national stability across the region.
He singled out the spread of synthetic drugs as a growing danger, noting its impact on youth development, economic strength and internal security.
He called for stronger inter-agency coordination, intelligence-driven operations and deeper regional cooperation to counter these challenges.
Shaibu concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring commitment to Liberia’s security, describing the defence relationship between both countries as rooted in shared sacrifice and strategic trust forged during difficult times.