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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
Karai-Karai leader urges Bauchi government to engage youths for better productivity
By: Yahaya Wakili
The leader of the Karai-Karai cultural heritage, Bala Bara Ma Jalam, Malam Usman Marqui Ma Jalam (known as Marqui), has called on the Bauchi state government to pay more attention to youths to engage them with something to do in the state.
He reiterated that, because youths are the backbone of everything in the society, anything to be done has to involve youths first; therefore, in reality, youths have been left behind, so the government should have done something to revive the teeming youths in the state.
Marqui made the call while briefing the newsmen at his residence shortly after this year’s Bala Bara Ma Jalam celebration in Jalam, Dambam local government area of Bauchi state.
According to Marqui, neglecting the youths without something to do is pushing them to get involved in crime, such as terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities in the society; therefore, we are appealing to the Bauchi state government to create something for the youths so that they can be self-reliant.
“As they know and everybody knows, this Karai-Karai tribe culture call Bala Bara Ma Jalam used to take place in every first week of the new year, and we are celebrating it today, Tuesday, 6th January, 2026, at Jalam town in the Dambam local government of Bauchi state,” Marqui said.
He maintained that, as history comes, any tribe has its own culture, because the tribe that doesn’t have its own culture is not a complete tribe, and by the grace of Almighty God, we will face the next year’s Bala Bara Ma Jalam celebration, inshallah.
Karai-Karai leader urges Bauchi government to engage youths for better productivity
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Cuba Accuses U.S. of Military Aggression Against Venezuela, Pledges Unwavering Support
Cuba Accuses U.S. of Military Aggression Against Venezuela, Pledges Unwavering Support
By: Michael Mike
Cuba has issued a fierce condemnation of what it claims was a military attack by the United States on Venezuela, describing the alleged action as a serious breach of international law and a threat to regional peace.
In an official statement released in Havana on Saturday, the Cuban Revolutionary Government said it stood in full solidarity with Venezuela and its leadership, backing calls by Caracas for proof of life of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. Cuba also demanded their immediate release, alleging they were being held by U.S. authorities.
Havana characterised the reported operation as a “cowardly and criminal act,” accusing Washington of escalating a long-running campaign of pressure and hostility against Venezuela.
According to the statement, U.S. actions in the Caribbean intensified from September 2025, including increased naval activity justified by what Cuba called unfounded allegations.
The Cuban government said the alleged aggression was driven by imperial ambitions, claiming it was aimed at asserting dominance over Latin America and gaining access to Venezuela’s vast natural resources. It warned that the move was intended not only to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty but also to intimidate other governments in the region.
Cuba placed responsibility for any deaths or damage resulting from the situation on the U.S. administration, naming President Donald Trump and senior officials as accountable for the consequences of what it described as reckless actions.
Recalling the 2014 Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, signed in Havana by regional governments, Cuba said the current developments represented a direct challenge to that collective commitment.
The statement urged the international community to reject what it called an unlawful act against a United Nations member state, warning that allowing such an action to go unanswered would set a dangerous precedent. Cuba stressed that Venezuela had not attacked the United States or posed a military threat.
Reaffirming its close alliance with Caracas, Cuba said it remained prepared to support Venezuela in defending its independence and sovereignty, calling on governments, parliaments and social movements worldwide to condemn the alleged aggression.
Cuba Accuses U.S. of Military Aggression Against Venezuela, Pledges Unwavering Support
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Ex-Lawmaker Says Tinubu Deserves For Erecting Solid Foundation for Sustainable Economic Recovery
Ex-Lawmaker Says Tinubu Deserves For Erecting Solid Foundation for Sustainable Economic Recovery
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Tinubu has been described as deserving of reelection for putting in place a solid foundation for sustainable economic recovery.
Speaking during a family thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Obuohia Obi-Ibere, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, a member of the Governing Board of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo stated that the present administration of President Bola Tinubu has laid a solid foundation for sustainable economic recovery and should be considered for reelection come 2027.
He however noted that the president’s policies, though challenging, are already producing positive outcomes.
According to the former federal lawmaker, key economic indicators show gradual improvement, citing official data which he said indicate a moderation in inflation, declining food prices and progress in stabilising the foreign exchange market through the unification of rates.
He also pointed to the removal of fuel subsidy as a major reform that has helped eliminate the persistent fuel queues that usually accompany festive periods, noting that motorists now access petrol more easily, with filling stations competing for customers.
Onuigbo expressed confidence that Nigerians would reward what he described as courageous leadership at the polls in 2027, insisting that continuity is necessary to fully realise the benefits of the ongoing reforms.
The former two-term member of the House of Representatives, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, said the thanksgiving was organised to appreciate God for His guidance and protection over his family despite years of political and personal challenges.
He announced plans to rebuild the church in his community as a mark of gratitude, describing the gesture as part of his commitment to giving back.
In his sermon, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Oliver Aba, urged Christians to live lives of gratitude and humility, encouraging them to acknowledge God’s role in their successes.
The thanksgiving service was attended by several political leaders, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Senator Austin Akobundu of Abia Central, among others.
Ex-Lawmaker Says Tinubu Deserves For Erecting Solid Foundation for Sustainable Economic Recovery
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