Army To Expand Formations Nationwide, Honours Fallen Heroes, Wounded Troops
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has announced plans to expand Nigerian Army formations across the country.
The Army Chief made this known on Monday at the opening of the COAS First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja, where he also honored fallen soldiers and troops wounded in action.
In a solemn and symbolic highlight of the event held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, the Army Chief presented Nigerian Army Personnel Insurance cheques to families of deceased personnel and soldiers injured in combat, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to troop welfare and support for families of fallen heroes.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described the conference as a strategic platform to review ongoing military operations, assess gains recorded in the first half of 2026 and develop operational strategies for the remainder of the year. He stressed that the trust and support of Nigerians remain critical to achieving lasting security nationwide.
The COAS commended officers and soldiers for their resilience, gallantry and professionalism in tackling evolving security threats, while paying tribute to personnel who lost their lives defending the nation.
Reinforcing his “Soldier First Concept,” he said troop welfare, morale, training and empowerment remain central to sustaining operational effectiveness. He urged commanders to maintain close engagement with personnel to preserve high morale and combat readiness.
Highlighting ongoing transformation efforts within the Army, Lieutenant General Shaibu disclosed that new formations are being established nationwide alongside increased recruitment, improved infrastructure, enhanced welfare packages and upgraded healthcare services. He added that prompt medical evacuation arrangements within and outside Nigeria remain a priority for wounded troops.
The Army Chief also underscored the importance of strengthening civil-military relations, noting that public support remains a vital force multiplier in ongoing operations. According to him, the Army will continue to pursue people-centred initiatives alongside kinetic operations to build trust and stability in host communities.
He expressed appreciation to President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for sustained support towards the acquisition of modern equipment, refurbishment of platforms and improved operational capability.
Earlier, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, said the conference would consolidate operational gains and chart a clear direction for the Army in the second half of 2026. He commended troops involved in counterinsurgency and anti-banditry operations across the country and urged participants to contribute meaningfully to deliberations.
The conference continues with high-level engagements focused on enhancing the Nigerian Army’s capacity to tackle emerging security challenges while prioritising the welfare and honour of its personnel.
