By Harriet Tornguvan
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged commanders across the Nigerian Army to deepen operational effectiveness through accountability, professionalism and results oriented leadership as the military confronts evolving security challenges across the country.
Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the charge while delivering his closing remarks at the Chief of Army Staff Bi-Annual Conference 2026 held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja.
According to a statement issued by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the Army Chief said the conference achieved its primary objectives by providing a strategic platform for evaluating ongoing operations and developing forward-looking responses to contemporary security threats.
General Shaibu noted that deliberations at the conference centred on improving operational responses, strengthening training structures and adapting military strategies to the complexities of the modern security environment.
He said the resolutions reached were aimed at building a more agile, technologically advanced, combat-ready and mission-focused Nigerian Army capable of responding effectively to emerging threats.
The COAS highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen operational capabilities, revealing that the Army had acquired additional tactical drones and reconfigured aviation assets for combat operations.
According to him, the enhancements have improved intelligence gathering, precision targeting, operational mobility and casualty evacuation, thereby increasing battlefield effectiveness.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also pointed to sustained progress in recruitment, advanced military training, professional education and leadership development, stressing that discipline, competence and merit based systems remain critical to maintaining institutional integrity and sustaining a high-performing force.
Reaffirming his “soldier-first” philosophy, the Army Chief stressed that motivated personnel operating under conducive conditions are central to mission success.
He consequently directed commanders to prioritise troop welfare through prompt payment of entitlements, improved healthcare, educational support and enhanced welfare packages for personnel and their families.
Shaibu urged participants at the conference to ensure that resolutions reached translate into measurable operational results, noting that the success of the gathering would ultimately be judged by implementation in the field.
The Army Chief also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and strategic guidance, while acknowledging the collaboration of the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and heads of security and intelligence agencies.
The conference concluded with the presentation of COAS commendation plaques to senior officers who successfully completed their tours of duty and the unveiling of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Feature Centre insignia.
