By Harriet Tornguvan
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has stressed that advanced training and technology driven operations remain critical to the operational success of the Nigerian Army in tackling contemporary security threats across the country.
General Shaibu stated this at the closing ceremony of the Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week 2026 held at the Jaji Military Cantonment, where he underscored the importance of innovation, adaptability and continuous professional development in modern warfare.
According to a statement issued by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the week long programme brought together serving and retired senior military officers for strategic engagements, lectures and practical demonstrations aimed at enhancing the Army’s capabilities in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.
The training, themed “Building Troops’ Resilience through Counter Terrorism Campaigns,” featured presentations by experienced resource persons and retired generals, with discussions focusing on emerging security threats, evolving warfare dynamics and the need to develop resilient and highly skilled troops capable of operating effectively in complex combat environments.
The COAS charged troops to remain resilient, cohesive and combat-ready in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities, noting that while modern equipment is essential, success on the battlefield largely depends on disciplined, well-trained and adaptive personnel.
He further highlighted the integration of drone warfare, combat aviation and advanced training methodologies as critical force multipliers, adding that the Nigerian Army would continue to leverage technology to improve operational effectiveness.
In his remarks, the Commander Infantry Corps, Godwin Mutkut, commended the COAS for what he described as purposeful leadership that has improved troop welfare and strengthened operational efficiency across the Nigerian Army.
The event featured live firepower demonstrations by various combat arms of the Nigerian Army, showcasing different calibres of weapons, armoured vehicles and advanced combat platforms. Troops also conducted a combined Infantry and Armour manoeuvre simulation in a realistic combat environment.
A symbolic Pulling Out Ceremony was also held in honour of distinguished retired Infantry generals during the event.
The Combat Arms Training Week 2026 reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening professional capacity through advanced training, integrating modern technologies into military operations and sustaining momentum in ongoing counterterrorism campaigns nationwide.
