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  • COAS unveils Nigeria’s first land warfare wargaming centre

    COAS unveils Nigeria’s first land warfare wargaming centre

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned Nigeria’s first Land Warfare Wargaming Centre at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna State, describing it as a strategic boost to the nation’s military preparedness and training capacity.

    Shaibu said the state-of-the-art facility marks a major advancement in the Army’s drive to strengthen operational planning, enhance military education and equip officers for evolving security challenges.

    He praised the College for consistently producing highly skilled middle-level officers who play critical roles across ongoing operations nationwide.

    The COAS, an alumnus of the institution, commended his predecessors for laying the foundation through key projects that transformed the Department of Land Warfare.

    He said the new centre became necessary due to the increasing complexity of military operations and the limitations of the older TY Buratai Operations Centre.

    According to him, modern warfare now demands joint planning, predictive decision-making and advanced simulations, requirements the new centre was designed to meet.

    He said it would support immersive wargaming, comprehensive operational planning and doctrinal experimentation essential for today’s battlefield.

    Shaibu explained that the centre was not built for the Department of Land Warfare alone, but would also serve Army training schools, formations and units within the 1 and 8 Divisions. 

    “It will provide a hub for tactical and operational planning exercises, helping officers sharpen critical thinking and adversary-focused planning skills.”

    He stressed that the project aligns with his command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable and resilient force capable of executing constitutional mandates within a joint and multi-agency environment.

    He added that investing in high-quality training infrastructure has become indispensable as security threats continue to evolve rapidly.

    The COAS urged officers and students to put the facility to maximum use, noting the substantial resources committed to its construction. 

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    He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army, which he said made the project possible.

    He also commended the Commandant of the AFCSC, AVM Hassan Alhaji, for his support to the Department of Land Warfare, and applauded Brig.-Gen. NUC Ogili for the efficient supervision and execution of the project.

    Earlier, AFCSC Commandant AVM Alhaji described the commissioning as a historic milestone and a major boost to professional military education in Nigeria. 

    He said the College’s graduates continue to demonstrate exceptional performance across ongoing operations, reflecting the strength of its training standards.

    The Commandant said the limited capacity of the TY Buratai Operations Centre made the construction of the new facility both timely and necessary. 

    He added that the wargaming centre—designed to support joint exercises and accommodate larger training groups—reflects the College’s shift toward technology-driven instruction.

    AVM Alhaji commended the COAS for what he called his “transformational leadership” and unwavering commitment to raising training standards across the Nigerian Army. 

    He noted that the new centre is a world-class facility and the first of its kind anywhere in Nigeria.

    He said the College remains honoured to benefit from the Army Chief’s reform efforts and prayed for continued divine guidance for him as he leads the service.

  • Nigeria must come first, COAS charges officers, soldiers

    Nigeria must come first, COAS charges officers, soldiers

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday charged officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to place the nation above every personal consideration as the Army commissioned 250 new officers from the Executive Commission Course 2/2025 at the Jaji Military Cantonment.

    Addressing the passing-out cadets at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Parade Ground, Shaibu described their commissioning as a milestone earned through sacrifice, resilience and unwavering commitment to national service.

    He reminded the new officers that they were now full stakeholders in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and must be guided at all times by the principle that “Nigeria must come first” in every action and decision throughout their careers.

    Many of the officers, he noted, would soon be deployed to operational theatres where their courage, discipline and training would be tested. He urged them to fall back on the knowledge, skills and values instilled in them while remaining focused and adaptable.

    The COAS assured them that they would never face challenges alone, stressing that the Nigerian Army officers’ corps is built on camaraderie, loyalty and shared commitment to the fatherland. He urged them to uphold these values as they prepare for the realities of command.

    Shaibu emphasized sound judgment, strategic planning and responsibility, warning that leadership carries both consequences and rewards. “Always have a plan. A bad plan is better than none,” he told the new officers.

    He reiterated the Army’s dedication to improving personnel welfare and supporting their career development, urging them to pursue continuous professional growth in line with his vision of a more adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.

    The Army chief also reaffirmed the unwavering subordination of the military to democratic authority, describing respect for constitutional governance as the foundation of professionalism. He charged all personnel to be proud defenders of democracy and remain apolitical in the discharge of their duties.

    Shaibu commended the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Maj.-Gen. Frank Etim, and his team for successfully shaping the cadets into officers ready for field operations. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustained support to the Army.

    Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Etim highlighted that the course, which commenced on 6 September 2025, was deliberately structured to instill leadership, physical fitness, integrity and loyalty. The cadets were also trained in counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency tactics to prepare them for current operational challenges.

    He declared the new officers fully prepared for higher responsibilities and urged them to remain steadfast as they step into command roles. “Be prepared for uncharted challenges. Yield to nothing,” he charged.

    Shaibu thanked Governor Uba Sani and the people of Kaduna State for their consistent support to the Army and wished the new officers fulfilling careers as they formally join the officer corps.

  • COAS to troops: Uphold discipline, professionalism

    COAS to troops: Uphold discipline, professionalism

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged troops of Operation FASAN YANMA to maintain discipline, motivation and professionalism as they tackle escalating security threats across the Northwest.

    Shaibu gave the charge yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the theatre, where he met frontline personnel, received briefings and interacted with soldiers at their duty locations.

    Reaffirming discipline as the backbone of military effectiveness, the Army Chief reminded troops that their conduct and commitment were crucial to stabilising communities and improving national security outcomes.

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    “I implore you to do your job properly. I am leaving here charging you to remain a disciplined and more professional force, so that we can tackle the myriad of challenges we have in our country,” he said.

    He noted that personnel deployed nationwide faced similar pressures and responsibilities, urging those in the FASAN YANMA theatre to carry their share of the national task with focus and determination.

  • COAS praises troops’ synergy in North West counter-terrorism efforts

    COAS praises troops’ synergy in North West counter-terrorism efforts

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said that effective synergy between all the services of the Armed Forces was responsible for the successes recorded  against terrorists and bandits in the North West.

    The COAS said during his maiden operational visit to the theater command of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Zamfara State, a joint military operation against terrorists and bandits in the North West.

    According to him, despite the daunting security challenges the troops had remained committed and resilient to ensuring peace and security across the region.

    “These challenges are transient. Remain resolute, remain determined, and continue to do your job with professionalism. The Nigerian people appreciate your service,” the COAS said.

    Gen. Shaibu assured that the Army hierarchy is committed to tackling all their operational and welfare concerns.

    He said he had received a comprehensive briefing from the Theatre Commander on the current security situation.

    The COAS added the issues raised by personnel from both the land and air components, alongside inputs from the representatives of the Chiefs of Naval and Air Staff, were being addressed with urgency.

    Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s dedication to enhancing troops’ welfare, noting that motivation, equipment, and overall support systems remain top priorities for the service.

    The COAS urged the personnel to continue to conduct themselves professionally and to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Armed Forces, stressing that their efforts have enabled citizens in affected communities to go about their daily activities.

  • COAS: We’ll fight with renewed energy to end terrorism

    COAS: We’ll fight with renewed energy to end terrorism

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has stated that under his command, the Nigerian Army will spare no effort to defeat terrorism, pursuing the fight with “renewed energy, clear focus, and absolute dedication to end the menace once and for all.”

    The COAS said this when he visited the theater Command Operation Hadin Kai, a joint operation against terrorists in the North East.

    Gen Shaibu emphasised the imperative of decisively dealing with the insurgents to ensure normalcy in the region, while creating an enabling atmosphere for socio-economic recovery and normalcy across the North East.

    “The Nigerian Army under my command will leave no stone unturned, we will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all.” he said. 

    The COAS pledged to uphold and strengthen the Soldier-First concept of his predecessor, ensuring the welfare of troops is a top priority, according to a statement by the Army spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Apollonia Anele, on Friday.

    He emphasised fairness, justice, professionalism, and the strategic deployment of competent personnel to mission-critical assignments.

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    According to the statement, the COAS visit was inline with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive and underscores the Nigerian Army’s reinvigorated drive to consolidate on the gains made in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations towards the total annihilation of terrorists in the North East.

    The statement explained during a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Elkanemi, the COAS solicited continued prayers, intelligence support and cooperation from traditional institutions and citizens to complement ongoing military operations. 

    The COAS assured the royal father of the Army’s capability and resolve to restore enduring peace and stability across Borno State and the wider North East corridor.

    In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno commended the Army for its gallantry, sacrifices, and humanitarian interventions, particularly during the flooding incidents, which he noted, the humanitarian services rendered can never be forgotten by the people. 

    The Shehu also lauded the Army’s efforts in restoring normalcy in the state, noting that no single Local Government Area in the state is presently under the control of terrorist elements. 

    The monarch pledged continued support through credible intelligence sharing and moral backing to ensure the total defeat of insurgency. 

  • COAS visits Maiduguri, pledges to uphold soldier-first concept

    COAS visits Maiduguri, pledges to uphold soldier-first concept

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, has visited the Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai, a joint military operation against terrorists in the North East, pledging to uphold and strengthen the Soldier-First concept, ensuring the welfare of troops is a top priority.

    A statement by the Army spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Apollonia Anele, on Friday, stated that the COAS emphasized fairness, justice, professionalism, and the strategic deployment of competent personnel to mission-critical assignments.

    According to the statement, the COAS visit was inline with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive and underscores the Nigerian Army’s reinvigorated drive to consolidate on the gains made in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations towards the total annihilation of terrorists in the North East.

    “The Nigerian Army under my command will leave no stone unturned, we will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all.” he said. 

    The COAS emphasised the imperative of decisively dealing with the insurgents to ensure normalcy in the region, while creating an enabling atmosphere for socio-economic recovery and normalcy across the North East.

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    During his courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Elkanemi,  the COAS solicited continued prayers, intelligence support and cooperation from traditional institutions and citizens to complement ongoing military operations. 

    He assured the royal father of the Army’s capability and resolve to restore enduring peace and stability across Borno State and the wider North East corridor.

    Shehu of Borno commended the Army for its gallantry, sacrifices, and humanitarian interventions, particularly during the flooding incidents, which he noted, the humanitarian services rendered can never be forgotten by the people. 

    The Shehu also lauded the Army’s efforts in restoring normalcy in the state, noting that no single Local Government Area in the state is presently under the control of terrorist elements. 

    The monarch pledged continued support through credible intelligence sharing and moral backing to ensure the total defeat of insurgency.

  • COAS Oluyede rallies troops in Cross River, promises improved welfare

    COAS Oluyede rallies troops in Cross River, promises improved welfare

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has assured soldiers of commitment to improving their welfare and working conditions, enabling them to effectively tackle evolving security challenges.

    He also expressed passion for the education of soldiers’ children and wards, disclosing that the Army is investing significant resources to revamp barracks schools and provide their children with quality education.

    The COAS gave the assurance during his visit to 130 Battalion and 341 Artillery Regiment, Ogoja, Cross River State, as part of his assessment tour of Nigerian Army formations and units under the 82 Division Area of Operational Responsibility (AOR).

    According to the statement by the army, spokesman, Lt.-Col. Apollonia Anele, the COAS directed the immediate renovation of dilapidated accommodations to improve the living conditions of soldiers and their families.

    The COAS noted that the recent increase in the Ration Cash Allowance has enabled commanders to provide better feeding for soldiers and therefore expects them to reciprocate by giving their best in the discharge of their duties.

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    He informed the soldiers of ongoing efforts to provide all Nigerian Army personnel with new sets of uniforms and essential military kits to enable them to perform their duties seamlessly. 

    These measures, he explained, are part of deliberate efforts to standardize operational readiness, enhance morale, reinforce esprit de corps, and entrench his *“Soldiers First”* mantra.

    Gen Oluyede charged the troops to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, and fosteri synergy with sister security agencies and host communities.

    “Such collaboration is vital to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region,” he said. 

  • Army to step up military presence operational assets in Katsina – COAS

    Army to step up military presence operational assets in Katsina – COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Olufemi Oluyede has pledged increased military presence and operational facilities to contain rampaging banditry attacks in Katsina State. 

    He spoke while during a courtesy call on the Acting Governor Lawal Jobe at Government House Katsina where he also commended troops over the rescue of 76 kidnap victims. 

    Oluyede, who led a high-powered delegation including officers from GOC-17 Brigade, stressed that security requires collective efforts.

    He said: ”While we have personnel within a limited operational space, we cannot succeed without active support from the people”

    ”The Nigerian Army belongs to the people. Your cooperation is vital to making Katsina State safer.

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    “Such tragedies strengthen our resolve to secure communities. discussions with the Acting Governor would shape future strategic interventions.”

    The Acting Governor and the Army Chief jointly thanked President Bola Tinubu for deploying a strong delegation to assess Katsina’s security situation and provide additional support.

    The Chief of Army Staff was accompanied by Major-General Uhu Shote, Commander of the Division of Farsan Yanma; Major-General I.A. Ajose, General Staff Commanding, 8th Division; Major-General A.A. Idris, Chief of Military  Intelligence; Major-General M.O. Erebelu, Provost-Marshal Army; Air Commodore G.I. Jibia, Commander of the Nigerian Airforce; Brigadier-General B.O. Omapariola, Commander of the 17th Brigade

  • COAS pledges to improve soldiers’ welfare

    COAS pledges to improve soldiers’ welfare

    The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt- Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has vowed to address the welfare and other challenges facing soldiers.

    He said the army authority and the Federal Government were making efforts to make life better for the soldiers. 

    Oluyede spoke on Wednesday at the end of a three-day visit to the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army (NA) 6 Division in Port Harcourt where he inaugurated a number of projects, addressed troops, and interacted with critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta Region.

    Oluyede insisted that the welfare of troops was of great interest to him saying it was necessary to keep them in a good frame of mind to discharge their assignments.

    He said his visit to the region would enable him get firsthand understanding of the issues.

    He said: “I’m in 6 Division Area of Responsibility primarily to assess the operational readiness of the Division as well as to examine the level of my soldiers welfare particularly. I’m someone that is very particular about the well-being of the soldiers and their families. 

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    “So I”m going round the Division less 63 Brigade which I”m going to come back to assess. And with that I know very well the challenges and I”m going to address the challenges within the resources availability to me as the leader of the Army. 

    “I promised my soldiers that I’ll do my very best with the support of the Federal Government to make life better for them. That’s why I came here and I think my purpose has been achieved”.

    During his visit, Oluyede inaugurated the Headquarters 6 Division, Extension, Python Harmony House at the main entrance of 6 Division. 

    Other are 6 Division Guard Room, newly constructed Corporal below Quarters (2 Blocks), Rienovated 10 by Family Corporal Below Quarters and the remodelled 29 Batalion Quanter Guand. 

  • Benue attackers not Nigerians, we ‘ll go after them – COAS

    Benue attackers not Nigerians, we ‘ll go after them – COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has attributed the wave of violent killings in Benue to ‘foreign mercenaries’, suggesting the attackers are not Nigerians. 

    Oluyede stated this on Saturday while declaring open the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation quarterly media chat, holding in Akure, the Ondo State capital. 

    The theme of the ongoing event is: Military- media collaboration: Panacea for enhanced national security and development.

    Represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General Obinna Onubogu, Oluyede said the attackers differ significantly in a behaviour that is ‘utterly despicable.’

    He emphasised that the activities of the armed groups, who have carried out bloodletting and rendered several families homeless, do not reflect the country’s national identity and value system. 

    “We are mindful that some of these people may be foreign elements. The behaviour we are seeing is utterly despicable, the way they go about their work. It does not reflect any kind of national identity or value system,” the Chief of Army Staff said. 

    While condemning the attack, Oluyede said that the military was committed to ending the spate of violence in the nation’s territorial integrity from both external and internal aggressors. 

    According to him, the military was already strategising with the move to smoke out the attackers from their hidden places and make them face the consequences of their actions.

    “The Nigerian Army has remained engaged in Plateau, in Benue, in Kwara — in quite a number of states that are experiencing insecurity.

    “In Benue particularly, you will see, in the coming weeks, very elaborate security arrangements to ensure that all that is going on there completely stops. We shall go after them, and by God’s grace, we will get them.”

    The Chief of Army Staff noted that the military has received clear directives from President Bola Tinubu to act decisively on the marauders, stressing that personnel are now on the ground to address the escalating security crisis. 

    “The President has given very clear orders for us to go out there. And so we are out — fully deployed — and tackling the menace head-on,” he said 

    He appealed to communities and local stakeholders to support military operations by sharing timely intelligence:

    “The Army cannot be everywhere at once. Nigeria is a vast country, and we are not as large in number as many people believe. We rely heavily on the support and cooperation of the local population to provide timely and credible information.”

    “In some cases, unfortunately, the people are not very helpful in terms of the information they give out, which delays our reaction time. That must change if we are to win this fight together.”

    At least 200 people, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and security personnel were killed in a fresh coordinated attack by suspected armed groups in Yelewata and Daudu communities of Guma LGA in Benue last week.