The Nigerian Army has commissioned more than 250 Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects across the country’s six geopolitical zones as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening civil-military relations and supporting national development.
Speaking at the inauguration of a renovated Community Secondary School in Lussue, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waibi Shaibu, said the intervention projects demonstrate the Army’s non-kinetic approach to addressing security challenges through community engagement and infrastructure development.
Represented by the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, the COAS stressed that national security cannot be achieved without the active support and cooperation of citizens, noting that the Civil-Military Cooperation Projects Scheme remains central to the Army’s strategy of fostering public trust while complementing military operations.
Shaibu disclosed that the Army had completed and commissioned over 250 intervention projects nationwide. The projects include the construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, schools, community town halls, laboratories, and roads, as well as the installation of solar-powered streetlights, boreholes, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities.
According to him, the projects are designed to complement government infrastructure initiatives while improving the quality of life in host communities across the country.
In Rivers State, the Army carried out renovations at Community Secondary School, Lussue, Khana Local Government Area; Community Secondary School, Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area; a Community Town Hall in Oyigbo Local Government Area; and a solar-powered borehole in Degema Local Government Area.
The COAS commended residents of Lussue for their continued support and cooperation with the Nigerian Army, describing the large turnout at the inauguration as evidence of the growing partnership and mutual trust between the military and the community.
He noted that the renovated secondary school, which had deteriorated over the years, would provide a more conducive learning environment for students while complementing government’s efforts to improve educational infrastructure.
Shaibu urged community members to take ownership of the facility by ensuring its proper maintenance. He also expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders and the Rivers State Government for their collaboration in the successful execution of the project.
Reaffirming the Army’s commitment to national security, the COAS assured Nigerians that under his leadership, the service would continue to pursue both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in collaboration with other security agencies and local communities to sustain peace, security and socio-economic development.
He appealed to citizens to continue supporting the military in its efforts to safeguard the nation’s peace, stability and territorial integrity.
Shaibu also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu, stating that the administration’s strategic direction and sustained investment in the Army’s operational, training and administrative requirements had significantly enhanced its capacity to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, represented by the Director-General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation (NAFIC), Major General Julius Osifo, described the intervention projects as a reflection of the Army’s enduring commitment to national service as it commemorates its 163rd anniversary.
He said NADCEL 2026 provides an opportunity for the Army to celebrate its achievements, honour fallen heroes and renew its commitment to defending the country.
According to Osifo, the theme of this year’s celebration, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” underscores the Army’s resolve to strengthen national security while fostering public confidence through community-focused initiatives.
He noted that despite evolving security threats, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft, the Nigerian Army has continued to record operational successes while sustaining humanitarian and community development programmes across the country.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff reiterated that effective collaboration between the military and civilians remains critical to Nigeria’s development during a medical outreach organised in Okrika, Rivers State, as part of the NADCEL 2026 activities.
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Represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General Emmanuel Mustapha, Shaibu said the Army Day celebration serves not only to honour the sacrifices and achievements of officers and soldiers but also to strengthen the relationship between the military and the communities it serves.
He explained that the free medical outreach, which offered medical consultations, laboratory investigations, treatment, health education and referral services, reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of Nigerians.
“The Nigerian Army recognises that security and development are closely linked. A healthy population is fundamental to national development and enduring peace,” he said.
Shaibu expressed confidence that the outreach would not only address the immediate healthcare needs of residents but also encourage healthier lifestyles and promote greater awareness of disease prevention within the host community.
