The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has stated that Nigeria's security environment remains complex and dynamic. He noted that remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to pose threats in the North-East through sporadic attacks and the use of improvised explosive devices. Additionally, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence persist in the North-West.
Regional Security Challenges
According to Shaibu, the South-East faces secessionist-related violence and criminality, while the South-South contends with crude oil theft and economic sabotage. The South-West also records isolated incidents of violent crime. These realities underscore the need for a highly professional, agile, and responsive Nigerian Army.
Operational Enhancements
Speaking at the First COAS Bi-annual Conference on Monday, Shaibu said the Army has enhanced its operational posture through sustained deployments, reconfiguration of formations, and the establishment of new units and task forces in critical areas. He charged all commanders to actively engage their troops to ensure they remain motivated, well-prepared, and mission-ready.
“As leaders, we must embody decisiveness, resilience, empathy, and unwavering commitment, setting the example for others to follow,” he stated.
Shaibu highlighted the increasing role of Nigerian Army aviation assets in supporting troop insertion and extraction operations in difficult terrains, particularly in the North-East. This has been a major enabler of recent successes, marking a significant operational milestone.
Force Expansion and Collaboration
The COAS noted progress in force expansion through ongoing recruitment efforts, as well as in strengthening logistics, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid response capabilities. He emphasized continued deepening of joint and inter-agency collaboration, along with partnerships with international allies. A recent example is the successful neutralisation of a high-ranking terrorist commander through coordinated operations, demonstrating the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and strategic cooperation.
Shaibu urged conference participants to be forward-looking, innovative, and solution-driven. He stressed that discussions must address current challenges and prepare the Nigerian Army for future warfare realities. The conference provides a platform to review activities in the first half of the year, articulate strategic direction, assess preparedness, interrogate emerging security trends, and develop practical solutions to enhance operational effectiveness nationwide.
Presidential Support and Tribute to Fallen Heroes
The COAS commended President Bola Tinubu for unwavering support in equipment provision, personnel welfare, and infrastructure development, which have significantly enhanced troops' operational capabilities. He also praised officers and soldiers for their professionalism and resilience, acknowledging both operational successes and setbacks.
Shaibu paid tribute to gallant personnel who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation, adding that the Army owes them an enduring obligation to honour their sacrifices by redoubling efforts to defeat all threats to national security.
A highlight of the opening of the three-day conference was the distribution of cheques to relatives of fallen heroes and soldiers wounded in the line of duty, before the session went into closed door.
