The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has tasked the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, to continuously align its training curriculum with the nation’s evolving security realities.
General Shaibu said this on Thursday when he received the Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Air Vice Marshal Alfred Olugbenga Shogbanmu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement by the Army’s Colonel Apollonia Anele, the COAS described the College as “a critical engine for the development of staff officers whose professionalism directly influences operational effectiveness nationwide.”
The Army Chief hailed the AFCSC for its pivotal role in producing highly competent officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, praising the institution for the high quality of its graduates and noting their strategic importance in strengthening command, control, and coordination across the Armed Forces.
He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to sustained support for AFCSC through infrastructure development and capacity enhancement.
The COAS noted that the increasingly complex and dynamic security environment confronting the nation has necessitated proactive institutional responses, including the establishment of a new Western Theatre Command to effectively address emerging threats.
He stressed the importance of adaptive, future-oriented training that reflects operational realities and enhances joint planning and execution.
Air Vice Marshal Shogbanmu thanked the Nigerian Army for its consistent support, particularly in the establishment of a simulation centre and the rehabilitation of key facilities, which he said have significantly enhanced training outcomes and learning conditions.
He reaffirmed the College’s resolve to continually refine its academic and professional programmes in line with contemporary security demands and to further deepen inter-agency cooperation.
The visit was in furtherance of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through professional military education and enhanced inter-service collaboration.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the Nigerian Army deliberately recalibrated its operational doctrine, force posture, and employment of capabilities through a comprehensive multi-domain strategy in order to tackle the country’s current security threats.
He said the approach integrates decisive kinetic action with intelligence fusion, inter-agency cooperation, joint operations with sister services, and sustained international partnerships.
The COAS said this when he delivered a lecture titled “Combating Asymmetric Threats to National Security in Nigeria: The Nigerian Army in Perspective” at the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, on Tuesday.
General Shaibu noted that the contemporary global security environment has undergone a fundamental transformation, shifting from traditional state-centric warfare to complex intra-state conflicts dominated by non-state actors, including cybercriminals and transnational organised crime networks that deliberately exploit governance gaps, societal vulnerabilities, and emerging technologies.
He highlighted the growing impact of advanced technologies, enhanced training regimes, and deeper jointness with sister services in improving situational awareness, operational reach, and mission effectiveness.
General Shaibu stressed that enduring peace can only be achieved when military operations are reinforced by effective governance, justice delivery, and inclusive socio-economic development.
He reaffirmed the Army’s unwavering commitment to a dynamic, intelligence-driven, and technology-enabled approach in confronting asymmetric threats to national security.
The COAS said, “Asymmetric threats thrive on adaptability, anonymity, and the targeting of civilians to erode public confidence and state authority.
“Our response must therefore be equally adaptive, proactive, intelligence-led and collaborative, leveraging military power alongside technology, whole-of-government coordination and strategic partnerships.”
He explained that across Nigeria’s geo-political zones, the Army operations have been deliberately tailored to prevailing threat dynamics.
“In the North-East, sustained counter-insurgency operations have continued to degrade terrorist capabilities through a combination of offensive manoeuvres, intelligence-driven strikes and population-centric stabilisation efforts,’ the COAS said.
Shaibu noted that in the North-West theatre, wide-ranging joint operations have intensified pressure on bandit groups, disrupted their logistics and financing networks, and strengthened the protection of vulnerable communities.
“Meanwhile, in the North-Central region, enduring stabilisation operations have focused on area domination, protection of civilians and the containment of communal and militia-related violence,” he said.
As the Nigerian Army deploys troops to various theatres of operation across the country to combat terrorists and other non-state actors, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged them to translate their training into tangible operational victories.
General Shaibu gave the charge when he spoke at the Final Exercise and Graduation Ceremony of participants of Exercise Restore Hope IX held at the Nigerian Army Training Camp, Kachia, Kaduna State, on Friday.
According to a statement by Army spokesperson Colonel Apollonia Anele, the COAS emphasised that combat excellence, discipline, adaptability, and teamwork are essential requirements for success in modern warfare.
The Army Chief described Exercise Restore Hope as a “critical component of the Army’s transformation agenda, designed to build a professional, resilient, and mission-oriented force capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency environments.”
He noted that the advanced infantry training had equipped the graduating troops with enhanced marksmanship, physical endurance, combat medical skills, and the mental resilience required for sustained and high-tempo operations.
The COAS stressed that battlefield success must be anchored on professionalism, respect for human rights, and accountability, noting that ethical conduct remains vital to maintaining public confidence and operational legitimacy.
He commended the instructors and training establishments for maintaining high standards, adding that graduates of previous editions of Exercise Restore Hope had continued to distinguish themselves across various theatres of operation.
While congratulating the officers and soldiers, the COAS approved the immediate promotion and decoration of seven soldiers who distinguished themselves as instructors during the exercise.
The Chief of Training (Army), Major General VU Okoro, said the exercise, which was in its ninth series, remains “one of the Nigerian Army’s most important post-basic training platforms for sharpening combat skills, building resilience and preparing soldiers for contemporary operational realities.”
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to restoring lasting peace and security in Plateau State and across the country.
The Army Chief gave the assurance on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, at the Government House, Jos, as part of his operational tour of Army formations in the state.
According to a statement by the Army spokesperson, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the COAS noted that security challenges on the Plateau are complex but surmountable through sustained collaboration, intelligence sharing, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
He said, “The Nigerian Army will continue to deploy its personnel and resources professionally to mitigate security threats and ensure the protection of lives and property. With all hands on deck, lasting peace on the Plateau is achievable.
Governor Mutfwang lauded the sacrifices, professionalism, and gallantry of Nigerian Army personnel nationwide, noting that despite being stretched by multiple deployments across the country, the Army has continued to rise to the occasion.
He commended troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE for their proactive efforts, which ensured peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations in Plateau State.
The governor congratulated Lieutenant General Shaibu on his appointment as the 25th Chief of Army Staff and wished him a successful tenure.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to supporting both kinetic and non-kinetic operations and called for sustained collaboration to address residual security challenges in some parts of the state.
The COAS also paid homage to the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, where he assured him of the troops’ commitment to ensuring that peace is fully restored on the Plateau.
The monarch thanked the COAS for the visit and pledged to continue educating the youth and the people to sustain and build on the peace achieved so far.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of 6 Division to carry out their duties professionally and ensure increased oil production in the Niger Delta Region (NDR) through sustained security operations.
He also charged troops of the Division to continue to discharge their responsibilities in protecting critical national infrastructure.
The COAS gave the charge on Friday while addressing troops of the Division during his maiden operational visit to Headquarters 6 Division, Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State.
In a statement by the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the COAS reassured officers and soldiers of the Division that their welfare remains a top priority of his command.
The Army Chief said that since his assumption of command, he has visited various formations and units to obtain firsthand information on their operational readiness and reassess their challenges.
He added that deliberate steps are being taken to address these challenges, assuring personnel that he places a high premium on the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families.
“The COAS charged troops of the Division to continue to discharge their responsibilities in protecting critical national infrastructure
“He called on troops of the Division to carry out their duties professionally and ensure increased oil production in the Niger Delta region through sustained security operations,” the statement said.
He urged them to remain disciplined, committed and dedicated to the realisation of the Division’s mandate in pursuit of his command philosophy.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, briefed the COAS on the activities of the Division in the Niger Delta region.
The GOC also took the COAS on a tour of ongoing projects within the barracks and reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to achieving the COAS’ command philosophy.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army to uphold discipline and dedication in the quest to play their pivotal role in safeguarding critical national infrastructure.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Friday in Abuja.
Anele quoted his principal as saying this on Friday in Port Harcourt during his maiden operational visit to the 6 Division’s Area of Responsibility.
Addressing troops, Shaibu emphasised that their work directly supports the nation’s economy and key to protecting critical national assets.
“I urge you to remain disciplined, committed, and dedicated to your mission.
“When you perform it well, it impacts the country positively,” he said.
Shaibu assured the troops that their welfare remained a top priority as evident in the ongoing interventions, including the construction of additional accommodation, renovation of existing quarters, and improved access to quality education for soldiers’ children.
According to him, soldiers will get what they deserve and what is entitled to them.
The COAS encouraged troops to heed their officers’ guidance, reinforcing the importance of teamwork, discipline, and operational excellence.
The visit concluded with an interactive session, where soldiers raised questions on operational and welfare issues.
The visit underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to personnel welfare, operational readiness, and the protection of national assets.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops to remain professional in the discharge of their duties and to uphold the fundamental human rights enshrined in the United Nations Charter during operations.
The COAS gave the COAS the charge on while addressing frontline troops during his operational visit to 31 Brigade Area of Responsibility (AOR).
He commended the troops for their steadfastness, professionalism and diligence in managing the security situation within the Brigade’s AOR, which falls within Niger State.
According to a statement by Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the COAS assured the troops of improved welfare. He noted that he had been adequately briefed on their challenges, particularly regarding accommodation and other critical facilities aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of soldiers and their families.
“The COAS further charged the troops to remain firm, vigilant and decisive in dealing with terrorists operating in the general areas of Shiroro, Rijau, and other locations within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.
“He directed the construction and renovation of accommodation and other essential facilities to boost the morale and operational effectiveness of the troops and their families,” the statement said.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, says the Nigerian Army, under his leadership, remains fully committed to prioritising the welfare of troops and their families, describing it as critical to sustained operational success.
He said this while addressing troops of the 18 Brigade, Bida, at Latini Barracks, Bida, Niger State.
The COAS commended the troops for their dedication and efforts in ensuring relative peace within their Area of Responsibility (AOR).
He charged them to remain resolute in degrading and neutralising bandits and terrorists to restore public confidence and enhance security.
The Army Chief revealed that plans are underway to construct additional accommodation facilities and establish skills acquisition centres to improve the well-being and economic empowerment of troops’ families.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu has visited senior citizens in Niger State, where he sought their support and cooperation for ongoing military operations across the country.
The Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, Colonel Apollonia Anele, said in a statement on Wednesday that General Shaibu paid separate visits to former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.
According to Colonel Anele, during these visits, the COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to operational excellence, enhanced security, and collaboration with state governments and national leaders to end terrorism and banditry.
The Army’s spokesperson said the COAS told the former military leaders that the Army is enhancing training, doctrine, and operational readiness across its formations through exercises at training institutions. These exercises are designed to provide practical, mission-oriented instruction, assess the operational readiness of combat units, and identify gaps that may require additional troops or new formations.
“We are consolidating all available resources and leveraging technology to address security challenges effectively,” the COAS said.
Emphasizing the strategic importance of Niger State’s vast landmass, the COAS stated that Niger State holds a special place in our history.
He said, “I have previously served here as a Training and Doctrine Commander, and many of my colleagues also share a deep connection with this state. It is, in many ways, regarded as home.”
In their separate responses, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar warmly welcomed the COAS, commending his dedication, expertise, and visionary leadership. They also lauded the Nigerian Army for maintaining high standards of professionalism and operational excellence.
The former leaders congratulated the COAS on his assumption of duty and prayed for courage, wisdom, and continued success as he guides the Army in addressing contemporary security challenges.
Niger State Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, commended the Army’s proactive support in addressing security issues.
He highlighted ongoing challenges in the state and expressed confidence that the partnership with the Nigerian Army would restore peace and stability.
“We are confident that, with the partnership of the Nigerian Army, we will overcome current challenges and protect lives and communities,” he said.
During his visit to the Etsu Nupe, the Army Chief assured that security operations in Niger State would be strengthened through increased troop deployment, improved use of technology, and closer collaboration with traditional institutions and relevant stakeholders.
The COAS said the visit to the state was aimed at conducting an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing military deployments across the state, identifying operational gaps and determining areas requiring the infusion of additional troops and other combat enablers to effectively address emerging security challenges.
He stressed the importance of intelligence-driven operations, particularly community-based and human intelligence, stressing that traditional rulers remain critical partners in providing timely and actionable information to support military efforts.
The Army Chief also highlighted plans to leverage modern surveillance and operational technologies to enhance proactive security strategy, timely response, improve situational awareness and bridge existing capability gaps within the state.
While describing traditional institutions as indispensable allies in the fight against insecurity, the COAS commended the Etsu Nupe for his consistent support of troops and military personnel deployed in the area.
The Etsu Nupe pledged the continued support of traditional rulers to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, assuring sustained community cooperation, intelligence sharing, and prayers for operational success.
He lauded the professionalism and conduct of Nigerian Army personnel operating within the Nupe Kingdom, noting their positive engagement with local communities and their contributions to peace and stability.
According to the Army’s spokesperson, the COAS’s visits to elder statesmen and the Niger State government highlighted the Nigerian Army’s commitment to operational excellence, collaboration with government authorities, and the protection of national security interests.
Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed officers and men of the 248 Recce Battalion in Illela, Sokoto State, to relentlessly pursue terrorists and bandits “to hell,” promising additional gun trucks and operational equipment to strengthen their combat capacity.
Addressing the battalion during a weekend operational visit, Waidi emphasised that the welfare of troops is a top priority, essential for effective performance.
“We will not compromise your welfare as a morale booster for your operational successes,” he said, commending the soldiers’ resilience in the harsh operational environment.
The CoAS, accompanied by the GOC 8 Division, Sokoto, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, and the Theatre Commander OPFY, Major General Idris Warrah, among other senior military officials, assured that the army would exhaust every effort to uphold its operational responsibilities against the nation’s enemies.
“We will support you and make your stay here comfortable. Remember that Rome was not built in a day and you must show sacrifice, dedication and discipline with resilience against threats by the enemies.
“Above all, be proud of been part of the pioneer set to establish this battalion and urge the young Lieutenant leaders of the battalion to responsively design a training programme that would properly launch you to the battle field and enhance the structural linkage that defines your operations through professional briefings as soldiers with listening ears to your officers,” he added, stressing that the 2iCs must not fail to drive the course of action that reflects military core values of respect, discipline and loyalty.
“We will also fix and ensure repairs of existing vehicles to be braced by additional duty trucks for enhanced operational capacity,” he assured.
