The Nigerian Army has renovated two secondary schools and executed other community development projects in Rivers State as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), reaffirming its commitment to strengthening civil-military relations across the country.
The projects, handed over on Sunday, include the renovation of Community Secondary School, Rumuomasi in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and Community Secondary School, Lussie in Khana Local Government Area. The Army also renovated a community town hall in Oyigbo Local Government Area and provided a solar-powered borehole for residents of Degema Local Government Area.
Speaking while commissioning the renovated Community Secondary School, Rumuomasi, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said the projects were designed to foster public support, deepen cooperation with host communities and complement government efforts in infrastructure development.
“Today’s ceremony provides the Nigerian Army with yet another opportunity to foster public support, enhance cooperation and promote community development with the good people of Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor LGA through the renovation of the Community Secondary School.
“We are also renovating the Community Secondary School, Lussie, Khana LGA, and the Community Town Hall, Oyigbo LGA, as well as providing a solar-powered borehole in Degema LGA,” he said.
Shaibu noted that the Nigerian Army recognises the critical role of communities in supporting its operations and maintaining national security.
“As an Army, we recognise the indispensable role the people play in supporting our efforts to achieve national security objectives within a joint, multifaceted and dynamic security environment.
“Their trust, cooperation and active participation remain vital to the success of our operations, as enduring security can only be achieved through a strong partnership between the military, other security agencies and the communities we are sworn to protect,” he said.
The Army Chief said the Civil-Military Cooperation Projects Scheme remains a key component of the Army’s non-kinetic operations, disclosing that more than 250 intervention projects had been completed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“This includes the construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, schools, community town halls, laboratories and roads, as well as the provision of solar lighting systems, boreholes and ICT facilities. These projects are designed to complement existing infrastructure provided by the government,” he stated.
Shaibu assured Nigerians that the Army would continue to work closely with other security and intelligence agencies, as well as local communities, to sustain peace and create an enabling environment for socio-economic development.
“I therefore urge all Nigerians to continue to trust their Army to deliver on its mandate and to remain resolute in supporting our collective efforts in ensuring peace and stability of our dear nation. As security challenges evolve, so must our support institutions of the State, such as the Nigerian Army, evolve in a positive direction,” he added.
