It said the four intervention projects were deliberately spread across the three senatorial districts of Rivers State to ensure equitable development and strengthen the its relationship with host communities.
The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians while strengthening national security through closer collaboration with communities.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, stated this on Sunday while inaugurating a series of community development projects across the three senatorial districts of Rivers State as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
The projects include the renovation of Community Secondary School, Rumuomasi in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (Rivers East Senatorial District); Community Secondary School, Lueku in Khana Local Government Area (Rivers South-East Senatorial District), a renovated Community Town Hall in Oyigbo Local Government Area; and a solar-powered borehole in Degema Local Government Area (Rivers West Senatorial District).
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the projects were part of efforts to reaffirm the army’s commitment to people-centred security through improved education, access to clean water and community infrastructure.
“Through our civil-military cooperation initiatives, we are not only addressing security challenges but also responding to critical community needs that directly affect the daily lives of our people,” he said.
The Army chief noted that lasting security could not be achieved through military operations alone.
“Sustainable security is built not only through military capability but through collaboration, shared responsibility and public support,” he added.
It said the four intervention projects were deliberately spread across the three senatorial districts of Rivers State to ensure equitable development and strengthen the its relationship with host communities.
He disclosed that the Nigerian Army had executed over 250 intervention projects nationwide, including hospitals, classrooms, roads, ICT centres, solar lighting systems and water facilities, noting that education remains a key pillar for long-term peace and national stability.
Shaibu urged the benefiting communities to safeguard the projects for future generations, saying, “I encourage all beneficiary communities to take ownership of these projects by protecting and maintaining them so they continue to serve future generations.”
Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, said the four intervention projects were deliberately spread across the three senatorial districts of Rivers State to ensure equitable development and strengthen the Nigerian Army’s relationship with host communities.
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Gift Worlu, described the interventions as transformative, saying the renovated schools would improve learning conditions and restore hope for students and teachers.
The inauguration was part of activities commemorating the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army.
The grand finale of the celebration will hold on Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
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