The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on Nigerians to embrace national unity, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, warning against the dangers of ethnic hatred, divisive rhetoric and violent extremism.
Shaibu made the call on Monday, October 19, 2026, during a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Rwanda, as part of his ongoing official working visit to the country.
The memorial preserves the remains of approximately 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, serving as a solemn reminder of the devastating consequences of hatred, political manipulation and national disunity.
In a statement issued in Kigali by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Nigerian Army said the visit reinforced the need for Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and political differences in the interest of national peace and stability.
The statement noted that Rwanda’s tragic history offered important lessons on the need to reject hate speech, promote tolerance and strengthen patriotism and collective responsibility among citizens.
It also emphasised the importance of responsible leadership, early conflict prevention and sustained civil-military cooperation in preventing violent conflicts and fostering national cohesion.
The Army Chief’s visit comes amid persistent security challenges in Nigeria, underscoring the need for unity, collaboration and a collective commitment to addressing threats to national peace and stability.
The Nigerian Army reiterated that national unity remains essential to achieving lasting peace, improved security and sustainable national development.
