The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has pledged a comprehensive overhaul of the Nigerian Army’s training, operations and administrative systems to align with evolving security threats and his command philosophy.
The Army Chief disclosed this on Thursday at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025.
Shaibu said the conference provided a platform to critically assess the Army’s operational and administrative performance in 2025, with a view to consolidating plans for the coming year.
“It is gratifying that the past few days have been filled with robust and engaging interactions on administration, training and operations of the Nigerian Army,” he said, adding that deliberations at the conference revealed the need for immediate reforms to further transform the Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively in joint and multi-agency environments.
The COAS announced that Army Headquarters, through the Department of Training, would soon commence a holistic review of curricula across all Nigerian Army schools, with emphasis on mission-specific and realistic training.
“My grand plan for the total overhaul of our schools’ training curriculum will be codified, as realistic training directly influences operational outcomes,” he said, and added that greater emphasis would be placed on the training and employment of Special Forces and Army Aviation to achieve desired operational outcomes.
He noted that intelligence briefings and operational updates presented at the conference underscored the increasing complexity of Nigeria’s security environment, and that this evolving threat spectrum necessitates enhanced capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance, as well as cyber operations.
He further stressed the need for continuous learning, adaptation and innovation, particularly in the face of regional instability and global shifts in the character of warfare.
The COAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces for sustained political support, especially in military hardware and software procurement, and commended conference participants for what he described as unprecedented contributions.
The conference was attended by senior military leadership, including Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Army Headquarters, Corps and Theatre Commanders, General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders and heads of Army establishments.
