The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to securing the nation’s critical energy infrastructure, identifying energy stability as the bedrock of Nigeria’s economic recovery and long-term development.
General Shaibu made this declaration on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, while receiving a delegation from Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tony Attah, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
**Energy Security as a Pillar of Defense**
Addressing the delegation, the COAS emphasized that the Army views the safeguarding of oil and gas assets as a front-line national security mandate.
“Energy security is an inseparable component of our national security architecture,” Lieutenant General Shaibu stated. “The protection of our strategic energy assets is not just a tactical operation; it is a vital necessity for sustaining industrial productivity, stabilizing the economy, and ensuring that legitimate economic activities can flourish without the threat of sabotage or vandalism.”
The Army Chief assured the delegation that the military remains vigilant in creating a secure operating environment for energy firms, noting that the Army’s ongoing modernization and expansion efforts are designed to ensure faster, more robust responses to threats against national assets.
**Community Relations and Operational Expansion**
A key focus of the discussion was the synergy between energy operators and their host communities. General Shaibu praised Renaissance Africa Energy for adopting a community-centric approach, noting that technical security must be complemented by social stability.
“Military might alone is not enough. We advocate for sustained engagement between energy companies and their host communities,” the COAS observed. “Mutual trust, proactive dialogue, and shared interests are the most effective tools for promoting lasting peace and stability in operational areas.”
Furthermore, he highlighted that the current transformation of the Nigerian Army—which includes the creation of new formations and significant upgrades in manpower and technological capabilities—will fundamentally enhance the military’s footprint, allowing for broader coverage and better protection of critical infrastructure across the country.
**Private Sector Commends Military Sacrifice**
In his remarks, Mr. Tony Attah lauded the bravery of the officers and soldiers currently deployed in volatile regions. He noted that the survival of Nigeria’s energy sector is inextricably linked to the sacrifices made by the men and women in uniform.
“We recognize that our operations are only possible because of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to securing our challenging operational environments,” Attah said. “Renaissance Africa Energy is fully committed to indigenous capacity development and industrialization, but we acknowledge that a secure and stable operating environment is the foundation for all these goals.”
The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to bolster intelligence sharing and collaborative efforts, ensuring that Nigeria’s energy sector remains insulated from the activities of criminal elements that have historically hampered the nation’s economic output.
