- Moves towards intelligence upgrade, enhancement of troops welfare
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has unveiled plans for sweeping reforms in the Nigerian Army’s training, operational and welfare systems, aimed at positioning the force to better respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Shaibu made this known at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025, held at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, Lagos, where senior commanders and stakeholders reviewed the Army’s performance over the past year.
He said the conference served as a strategic forum to assess the Nigerian Army’s administrative and operational activities in 2025, adding that deliberations during the meeting were instrumental in shaping priorities for the coming year.
According to the COAS, the Army will immediately begin a comprehensive review of its training, operational and logistics frameworks to align with his command philosophy of building a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency environments.
As part of the reform agenda, Shaibu announced plans for a holistic overhaul of training curricula across all Nigerian Army schools, with increased focus on mission-oriented and realistic training.
He noted that the Army Headquarters, through its Department of Training, would intensify efforts in specialised areas, including Special Forces and Army Aviation, to enhance operational effectiveness.
The Army chief also warned that Nigeria’s security environment was becoming increasingly complex, requiring stronger intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and cyber capabilities.
“Our operating environment demands that we continuously learn, adapt and innovate,” he said, stressing the need to keep pace with regional instability and global changes in modern warfare.
He added that the Nigerian Army would continue to rely on the support of the nation’s political leadership for the acquisition of critical military equipment, while embedding innovation and technology across all levels of command.
On personnel welfare, Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to improving living conditions for soldiers, particularly in the area of accommodation.
He disclosed that all ongoing housing projects would be completed and allocated promptly, while new residential developments would be initiated across Army divisions. He also said renovation works in barracks would be expanded as an interim solution to address housing shortfalls.
The COAS announced that he would be in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the commissioning of the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Akobo Project, alongside the Post-Service Housing Development Limited Shopping Complex in Eleyele.
He said the post-service housing needs of soldiers would remain a priority under his leadership.
Shaibu commended the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) and the conference organising team for what he described as unprecedented contributions from participants, noting that the outcomes would guide policy formulation and implementation.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support of the Nigerian Army and reaffirmed the Army’s loyalty to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief.
, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has unveiled plans for sweeping reforms in the Nigerian Army’s training, operational and welfare systems, aimed at positioning the force to better respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.){kind=link}