The Nigerian Army has been officially recognised as Africa's Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch, a continental security organisation. The award was formally presented to Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Recognition by African Security Watch
Major General Teriworie Gagariga received the award on behalf of the Nigerian Army at the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony held in Banjul, The Gambia, before presenting it to the COAS in Abuja. The organisation highlighted the army's exceptional performance in joint operations, intelligence-driven campaigns, and civil-military cooperation.
African Security Watch stated that these efforts had significantly weakened terrorist organisations and improved both national and regional security. The organisation described the Nigerian Army as a benchmark for professional excellence and operational effectiveness in counter-terrorism across Africa.
Army Chief's Response
Receiving the award, Lieutenant General Shaibu said the honour reflected the courage and dedication of the men and women serving in the field. He dedicated it to officers and soldiers who had lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as to their families.
"The award validates the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army's evolving counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategy and reinforces its position as a continental model for addressing complex security challenges," Shaibu said.
Commitment to Sustaining Gains
The COAS said the army would build on its current momentum through stronger intelligence-led operations, deeper collaboration with other security agencies, rigorous training, better welfare for personnel, and the acquisition of modern equipment. He added that under his leadership, the army remained committed to becoming a more professional, adaptive, and combat-ready force capable of meeting Nigeria's evolving security demands while contributing to broader peace efforts across the region.
The announcement was confirmed in an official statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, on July 29, 2026.
Related Developments: Army Restructuring
In a related development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of four new Nigerian Army divisions as part of a major reorganisation aimed at strengthening military operations across the country. Following the presidential approval, Lieutenant General Shaibu approved the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) to lead the newly created formations.
