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

PAP Scholarship Scheme Vehicle For Better Future For Niger Delta- Otuaro

By: Michael Mike

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has described the programme’s scholarship scheme as a major vehicle towards ensuring a better future for the Niger Delta.

He spoke at the opening ceremony for the fifth batch of the two-day “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation Training for PAP Stakeholders” organised by the Office in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) at the Nigerian Army War College, Abuja, on Thursday.

Otuaro, who declared the workshop open, said that the decision for the massive deployment of scholarship students to universities within and outside Nigeria is informed by the need to utilise formal education to build a sure future for the communities in the region.

According to him, his leadership’s focus on education is aimed at investing in the youths as a deliberate effort to equip them to be drivers of the planned prosperity, peace, stability and development of the Niger Delta in the years ahead.

He said, “We have seriously focused on education, and the scholarship programme is a proper vehicle for a better tomorrow for our region. So far, between 2024 and 2025, we have deployed over 9000 scholarship students to universities within and outside Nigeria; in-country deployment alone this year is 4500.

“These are deliberate efforts we are taking to prepare our region for tomorrow. We need to prepare the next generation for the challenges of peace, socio-economic growth, development, and security.

“If we don’t equip our youths today with education, tomorrow would not be assured. It is time to prepare for the rainy day, that is why we are deliberately investing in the education of our young ones.

“I believe that the scholarship beneficiaries will appreciate this opportunity that we are giving to them. For nearly two years, we have tried as much as possible to impact nearly all communities through the scholarship programme.”

Otuaro explained that the capacity-building workshop was organised to consolidate the PAP’s peacebuilding process in the Niger Delta in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He told the participants that they have a great role to play in the task of deepening the peacebuilding process because they are stakeholders and leaders in their own right.

The PAP helmsman said the time had come for stakeholders to unite strongly and come together to resolve issues in the region without the involvement of outsiders.

He urged the participants to be role models for stability and peace ambassadors of President Tinubu in the Niger Delta.

He also stressed that peacebuilding should be their watchword going forward.

Otuaro expressed appreciation to Tinubu for his steadfast support for the PAP, saying that the president is pleased with the existing peace and stability in the Niger Delta.

He applauded the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his encouragement and strategic supervision of the PAP.

He further extended gratitude the management of the Nigerian Army War College, resource persons, and the leadership and membership of the AANDEC for partnering with the PAP to deepen the peacebuilding process in the region.

PAP Scholarship Scheme Vehicle For Better Future For Niger Delta- Otuaro

Police arrest three kidnappers, recover 54 AK-47 ammunition in Kwara

By: Zagazola Makama

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers and recovered 54 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition during a patrol operation in Bani area of the state.

Sources said the arrest was made at about 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday following intelligence-led patrol by local vigilantes.

According to sources, the Vigilante Commander in Bani, Taiye Abubakar, and his team were on patrol within the Bani axis when they sighted two men riding on a Bajaj motorcycle.

The suspects were identified as Gero Mahamadu of Komi Marshallashi via Bani and Lawale Falike of Sambo Ginda via Jebba.

The sources stated that while efforts were made to stop them, Lawale Falike initially fled the scene, but Gero Mahamadu was arrested. A search conducted on him led to the recovery of 54 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition.

The sources added that during interrogation, Gero Mahamadu confessed that the ammunition was supplied by one Alhaji Shahu Fire and one Ismail Mashamari, both of Sambo Ginda via Jebba, and was to be delivered to one Manu of Ilesha Baruba for a planned kidnapping operation.

Subsequently, Lawale Falike and Alhaji Shahu Fire were arrested, while the suspects reportedly made useful confessional statements.

The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects, including Manu and Ismail Mashamari, and to recover any additional arms or ammunition connected to the planned crime.

Police arrest three kidnappers, recover 54 AK-47 ammunition in Kwara