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COAS charts new course for Nigerian Army as training reforms, troop welfare take centre stage
COAS charts new course for Nigerian Army as training reforms, troop welfare take centre stage
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army is set for far-reaching reforms in training, operations and troop welfare as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, unveiled a bold roadmap aimed at transforming the force into a more professional, combat-ready and resilient institution.
Shaibu disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025, a high-level gathering that brought together the leadership of the Nigerian military, including Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Army Headquarters, Corps and Theatre Commanders, General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders, heads of Army establishments and training institutions, as well as defence advisers and senior officers.
The annual conference, according to the COAS, served as a platform for a frank assessment of the Army’s operational and administrative performance in 2025, while setting the tone for priorities in the coming year.
“It is indeed gratifying to note that the past few days have been filled with robust and engaging interactions on administration, training and operations of the Nigerian Army,” Shaibu said.
He noted that deliberations at the conference provided a clearer picture of both progress recorded and challenges encountered across theatres of operation, stressing that lessons learnt would directly shape reforms going forward.
Central to the COAS’ vision is a comprehensive overhaul of the Army’s training architecture, anchored on realism, adaptability and mission-specific outcomes.
“My grand plan for the total overhaul of our schools’ training curriculum will be codified, as I believe that realistic training directly influences operational outcomes,” he said.
Shaibu explained 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-focused training tailored to Nigeria’s complex security environment.
Special attention, he said, would be given to the training and employment of Special Forces and Army Aviation, which have become increasingly critical in counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism and internal security operations.
The COAS observed that intelligence briefings and operational updates presented during the conference confirmed that Nigeria’s operating environment was becoming more complex, driven by evolving insurgent tactics, regional instability and global shifts in the character of warfare.
“This evolving threat spectrum necessitates that we enhance our capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance, as well as in cyber operations,” he said.
Shaibu emphasised the need for continuous learning, innovation and technological integration at all levels of the Army, noting that modern warfare demanded flexibility and rapid adaptation.
While outlining operational reforms, the COAS also placed strong emphasis on troop welfare, describing it as inseparable from combat effectiveness and morale.
A major concern, he said, remained the persistent shortage of accommodation across Army barracks nationwide.
“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.
Shaibu directed that all ongoing residential accommodation projects across the Nigerian Army be completed in good time and allocated to personnel, while new housing projects would be initiated across divisions and barracks.
As an interim measure, he disclosed that the Army would embark on a comprehensive programme of renovation works in existing barracks to improve living conditions for troops and their families.
Beyond serving personnel, the COAS reaffirmed his commitment to securing post-service housing for soldiers and officers, stressing that retirement should not translate into uncertainty or hardship.
“With all these efforts aimed at elevating existing accommodation shortfalls, we will continue to strike a balance by also securing post-service housing for all our soldiers and officers,” he said.
In furtherance of this commitment, Shaibu announced that he would be in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the commissioning of the Affordable Home Ownership Option (AHOO) project for soldiers, alongside the Post-Service Housing Development Limited shopping complex.
“Under my watch, the post-service housing needs of all our soldiers will continue to be a top priority, with due attention given to the completion of ongoing projects,” he assured.
The COAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustained political support, particularly in the area of military hardware and software procurement, noting that timely interventions from the nation’s leadership remained critical to the Army’s effectiveness.
He also commended the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) and his team for organising what he described as a highly impactful conference, as well as participants whose contributions he said were unprecedented in scope and depth.
“I therefore look forward to receiving a draft summary of decisions in the coming days for necessary approvals and subsequent dissemination for implementation,” Shaibu said.
The COAS said the Nigerian Army was entering a phase of deliberate and purposeful reform one anchored on realistic training, technological innovation and improved welfare aimed at strengthening morale, enhancing operational effectiveness and ensuring the safety and security of the country.
Shaibu expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his sustained support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian military, particularly in the areas of capacity building, equipment procurement and troop welfare.
He reaffirmed the unwavering loyalty and commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the President, the Constitution and the Nigerian people, stressing that the Army remained resolute in the defence of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
COAS charts new course for Nigerian Army as training reforms, troop welfare take centre stage
Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces in Zamfara State have arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Mannir Adam, for allegedly transporting 800 rounds of AK-47 ammunition concealed in the fuel tank of a motorcycle.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, a resident of Yankuzo village in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, was intercepted at about 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday along the Gusau–Funtua highway.
He was arrested at a security checkpoint in Yankara while riding a red Boxer motorcycle.
According to the sources, a search conducted by the operatives led to the discovery of 800 rounds of live ammunition for an AK-47 rifle, which had been carefully hidden inside the motorcycle’s fuel tank.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly picked up the ammunition from the Bawa area in Saminaka Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He was reportedly transporting the ammunition to Kucheri village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where it was suspected to be destined for armed bandits operating in the area.
Security sources described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to disrupt the supply of arms and ammunition to criminal groups terrorising communities in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
The suspect is currently in custody while further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network involved in the illegal arms supply chain.
Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara
Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Plateau has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Jos North Local Government Area.
Police sources said the suspects were arrested on March 9 at about 9:15 p.m. by a team of operatives acting on credible intelligence.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Yakmoe of Angwan Rukuba and Alfred Song of Furaka Junction, both residents of Jos North.
According to police, a locally fabricated pistol was recovered from the suspects at the time of their arrest.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had allegedly robbed one Nandi Budadi Taki of his iPhone 16 Pro Max at gunpoint.
Further investigation led to the recovery of an additional Beretta pistol from Yakmoe at his residence in Angwan Rukuba.
Police said the suspects had confessed to the crime, adding that discreet investigation was ongoing.
The command also said efforts were being intensified to arrest other members of the robbery syndicate and recover additional weapons.
Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau
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Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
By Ayo Ajayi
In times of institutional uncertainty, leadership is often tested not by comfort but by crisis. At the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Abuja, such a moment emerged amid internal tensions and the spread of misinformation among sections of the workforce. At the centre of this storm stood the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Lucky Ikharo, whose calm disposition and administrative experience have helped steady the institution through turbulent waters.
For many within the Commission, the period has been marked by a mix of rumours, misrepresentation, and what some observers describe as half-baked narratives circulating among staff who may not be fully informed about the workings of the system. In such an atmosphere, maintaining discipline, order, and institutional focus requires more than routine administration—it demands patience, clarity of purpose, and steady leadership.
Dr. Ikharo has sought to provide exactly that. Known among colleagues for his methodical approach to public service administration, he has remained focused on ensuring that the Commission continues to function effectively despite the distractions created by internal disagreements and misinformation.
His journey within the National Assembly bureaucracy reflects years of dedication to institutional development.
Dr. Ikharo joined the National Assembly Service Commission in 2002 as an Assistant Chief Administrative Officer. Through diligence and professional commitment, he steadily rose through the ranks of the public service, eventually attaining the position of Director in 2017.
Dr Lucky Ikharo was among the pioneer staff members entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating the Commission’s Meeting Secretariat, a role he diligently handled for over nine years. In that capacity, he played a critical role in ensuring the smooth organization and documentation of the Commission’s high-level deliberations.
Following this period, Dr. Ikharo broadened his administrative horizon by serving in various departments within the Commission. These experiences exposed him to the diverse operational dynamics of the institution and helped shape his deep understanding of its administrative processes.
Dr. Ikharo serves as the Secretary to the Commission. His journey through different strategic units of the organisation has positioned him well for the role, affirming the popular saying that he is indeed a round peg in a round hole.
Over the years, he has held several strategic positions within the Commission. Between 2017 and 2019, he served as Director of Promotions, Discipline and Appeals, a role that placed him at the heart of staff management and administrative justice within the organisation. He later served as Director of Procurement and General Services from 2019 to 2020, overseeing critical operational and procurement processes of the Commission.
Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Ikharo is also a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD), reflecting his commitment to professional development and capacity building in public service.Observers say his leadership style is defined by calm engagement rather than confrontation. At a time when rumours and internal tensions threaten to distract the Commission from its statutory mandate, his stewardship has focused on maintaining stability, reinforcing administrative procedures, and ensuring that the institution continues to carry out its responsibilities to the legislature and the Nigerian public.
Indeed, leadership within public institutions often unfolds quietly, away from public applause. Yet it is precisely in such moments of internal turbulence that the character of a public administrator becomes most visible. For Dr. Lucky Ikharo, the challenge has been to keep the Commission steady, demonstrating that experience, patience, and commitment to institutional integrity remain essential pillars of effective public service leadership.
Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
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