The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed commanders across the Nigerian Army to raise the bar on accountability and operational performance, warning that conference resolutions must translate into measurable results in the field.
Shaibu issued the charge while closing the 2026 Chief of Army Staff Bi-Annual Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, describing the gathering as a platform for hard assessments and forward-looking strategy in the face of Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
“The true value of this conference lies in effective implementation on the ground,” he told participants at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro.
The Army chief pointed to recent capability gains, including the acquisition of additional tactical drones and the reconfiguration of aviation assets for combat roles — moves he said have sharpened intelligence gathering, precision targeting and casualty evacuation.
He also flagged discipline, meritocracy and professional military education as pillars of a high-performance force, and reaffirmed his “soldier-first” philosophy by directing commanders to prioritise troop welfare — from prompt payment of entitlements to healthcare and family support.
On the sidelines, the Army unveiled the insignia of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Feature Centre and presented commendation plaques to senior officers completing their tours of duty.
Shaibu thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support, alongside the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the heads of security and intelligence agencies.
