COAS Deepens Military-Traditional Institution Partnership for National Security

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional institutions and host communities to enhance intelligence gathering and national security.

Shaibu gave the assurance on Friday, Oct. 9, when he paid homage to the Andoma of Doma Kingdom, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Ahmadu Aliyu Ogga Onawo, at his palace in Doma, Nasarawa State.

The COAS was in Doma for the graduation ceremony of an elite Special Forces Battalion trained at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in the kingdom.

He acknowledged the strategic role of traditional institutions and host communities in intelligence gathering, early warning, community trust and the promotion of sustainable peace.

Shaibu appreciated the Andoma and the people of Doma for their continued support and hospitality, stressing that a whole-of-society approach remained vital to addressing contemporary security challenges.

He noted that cooperation between the military, traditional rulers and local communities was essential to strengthening security operations and building public confidence.

In his response, the Andoma commended the COAS for his leadership and the establishment of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma, describing the facility as a significant contribution to the kingdom.

The traditional ruler pledged the continued support of the institution and the people of Doma to the Nigerian Army, while offering prayers for lasting peace, stability and security across the country.

The visit underscores the importance of civil-military cooperation and the role of traditional institutions in supporting security efforts and fostering peaceful coexistence in host communities.

COAS Deepens Military-Traditional Institution Partnership for National Security

Nigerian Army Graduates Elite Special Forces Battalion to Boost Counter-Terrorism Operations

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army has graduated a full-fledged Special Forces battalion to strengthen the country’s counter-terrorism and internal security capabilities amid evolving threats from terrorists and other criminal networks.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Friday, Oct. 9, during the graduation ceremony at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma, Nasarawa State.

Shaibu said the new battalion would enhance the Army’s capacity to conduct specialised operations, penetrate difficult terrain and dismantle terrorist and criminal networks.

He explained that the Army’s expansion from eight to 12 divisions required corresponding specialised capabilities to sustain operational readiness and extend security coverage across the country.

According to him, the emerging security environment, including the use of drones, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other evolving tactics by adversaries, requires highly trained personnel capable of adapting to changing battlefield conditions.

The COAS said the newly graduated personnel had undergone six months of intensive training designed to improve their combat proficiency, resilience and adaptability in demanding operational environments.

He highlighted the specialised facilities at the school, including what was described as the Army’s most difficult and complex obstacle course to date, featuring 20 obstacles.

The school also has its first-ever maze, designed to help soldiers overcome fear of darkness and confined spaces while improving their resilience and spatial orientation.

Shaibu charged the Special Forces personnel to uphold discipline, precision, sound judgment and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.

He stressed that operational success must not come at the expense of public confidence, adding that intelligence-led operations, technological awareness and cooperation with sister Services and other security agencies remained critical to achieving sustainable security outcomes.

The COAS also commended the instructors and training partners for their contributions to developing a highly trained, adaptable and mission-ready force.

Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, said the training programme had been tailored to meet contemporary operational demands and incorporate lessons from ongoing military operations.

The Commandant of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Brig.-Gen. Umar Abubakar, highlighted the rigorous physical and tactical training undertaken by the graduands to prepare them for complex missions.

The graduation marks another step in the Army’s efforts to build specialised capabilities in response to evolving security threats and strengthen the operational effectiveness of its field formations.

Nigerian Army Graduates Elite Special Forces Battalion to Boost Counter-Terrorism Operations

Nigeria, Bangladesh deepen strategic defence cooperation

By: Zagazola Makama

ABUJA — The Nigerian Army and Bangladesh are strengthening strategic defence cooperation focused on military capacity building, professional military education, operational effectiveness and institutional partnerships.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Thursday, October 8, 2026, when he received the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Miah Md Mainul Kabir, on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.

Shaibu said the Nigerian Army was ready to share its operational experiences in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and drone warfare, as well as its expertise in the humanitarian management of internally displaced persons.

He directed relevant departments at Army Headquarters to engage their counterparts in the defence sector to develop joint training programmes and strategic frameworks aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of both countries.

The COAS also approved the establishment of the National Defence College Bangladesh Alumni Association to bring together Nigerian military personnel who have completed strategic courses in Bangladesh.

He noted that the Chief of Military Intelligence (Army) and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division are among Nigerian military officers who have undergone training at Bangladeshi military institutions.

According to him, the alumni association would provide an institutional platform for sustained collaboration, training exchanges, technical cooperation and stronger military-to-military relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh.

Responding, the Bangladesh High Commissioner expressed condolences to the Nigerian Army over the recent military aircraft crash in Ondo State.

Kabir also commended Nigeria’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations and disclosed that 154 Nigerian officers have participated in courses at the Bangladesh National Defence College.

He advocated expanded institutional exchanges involving foreign service academies and military training programmes to strengthen strategic leadership development and deepen bilateral cooperation.

The engagement is expected to provide a broader framework for professional military exchanges and the sharing of operational and institutional experiences between the two countries.

Nigeria, Bangladesh deepen strategic defence cooperation