Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi. Shaibu urges lawyers to push Beyond Limits in defence of rule of law

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called on Nigerian lawyers to go beyond traditional approaches in strengthening democracy, protecting civil liberties and promoting national security.

Shaibu made the call in his goodwill message delivered at the 2026 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Represented at the conference by General officer commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General E.I Okoro, the Army Chief said the theme of the conference, “Beyond Limits,” was timely and inspiring, particularly in view of the challenges confronting Nigeria.

He said the theme reflected the courage, resilience and determination required from institutions and professionals committed to building a stronger, more secure and prosperous nation.

According to him, the Nigerian Army operates beyond the limits of difficult terrain, evolving security threats and personal comfort in fulfilment of its constitutional responsibility to protect the nation.

He, however, stressed that national security could not be achieved through military action alone, noting that it also depended on the rule of law, strong institutions, justice and protection of fundamental human rights.

“National security extends beyond the battlefield. It also depends on the rule of law, sound institutions, justice, and the protection of fundamental human rights,” he said.

Shaibu described the NBA as a critical partner in the country's quest to strengthen democracy, safeguard civil liberties and ensure that security operations were conducted professionally and responsibly.

He said the military recognised the important role of lawyers in ensuring that security agencies operated within the confines of the law and respected the fundamental rights of citizens.

The Army Chief also urged stakeholders to adopt innovative approaches in tackling Nigeria's contemporary security challenges.
He advocated greater use of emerging technology, credible intelligence, inter-agency collaboration and innovative solutions, stressing that the nature of modern threats required security institutions to constantly adapt.

Shaibu commended NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the National Executive Council and the Conference Planning Committee for organising what he described as an important gathering.

He expressed confidence that deliberations at the conference would contribute meaningfully to strengthening Nigeria's justice system, democracy and overall national security.

The Army Chief reiterated the Nigerian Army's commitment to working with the legal profession and other stakeholders in confronting threats to national peace and security while upholding the rule of law and fundamental human rights.