COAS vows overhaul of Nigerian Army training, operations after 2025 conference

By: Zagazola Makama

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.

Shaibu made this known on Thursday at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025, 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.

The COAS 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.

According to him, 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.

Shaibu 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.

The COAS 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.

“This evolving threat spectrum necessitates enhanced capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance, as well as cyber operations,” Shaibu said.

He 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.

COAS orders completion of barracks housing, unveils post-service accommodation drive

Abuja, Dec. 18, 2025 (NAN) — The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has ordered the speedy completion of all ongoing residential accommodation projects in Nigerian Army barracks nationwide to address housing shortfalls among personnel.

Shaibu gave the directive on Thursday while addressing participants at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 in Abuja.

He said improving troop welfare, particularly accommodation, remained a core component of his command priorities and a continuation of efforts initiated by past Chiefs of Army Staff.

“In line with our welfare commitments to all Nigerian Army personnel, I shall continue to build on the efforts of past Chiefs of Army Staff in addressing the crisis of accommodation shortages,” he said.

The COAS disclosed that all ongoing housing projects would be completed and allocated promptly, while new residential projects would be initiated across divisions and barracks nationwide.

“As a stopgap measure, the Nigerian Army will be investing in a more comprehensive spread of renovation works in all our barracks,” Shaibu added.

He acknowledged that despite progress made so far, significant gaps remained, which required deliberate and sustained intervention.

Beyond in-service accommodation, the COAS said the Army would continue to prioritise post-service housing for soldiers and officers to ensure dignity and stability after retirement.

“With all these efforts aimed at addressing existing accommodation shortfalls, we will continue to strike a balance by also securing post-service housing for all our soldiers and officers,” he said.

Shaibu announced that he would be in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday for the commissioning of the Affordable Home Ownership Option (AHOO) project for soldiers, as well as the Post-Service Housing Development Limited shopping complex.

“Under my watch, the post-service housing needs of all our soldiers will remain a top priority, with due attention to the completion of ongoing projects,” he assured.

The COAS expressed confidence that the housing schemes would significantly alleviate accommodation challenges faced by serving and retired personnel, describing them as a critical component of the Army’s broader welfare architecture.

He commended the Chief of Logistics (Army) and other stakeholders for their contributions, and reiterated his resolve to confront accommodation challenges “head on with all the seriousness it deserves.”

COAS vows overhaul of Nigerian Army training, operations after 2025 conference