Training
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, Dec. 18, 2025 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday ordered far-reaching reforms in training, intelligence and troops’ welfare to reposition the Nigerian Army as a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready force.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in a statement said that Shaibu announced the measures at the closing of the COAS Annual Conference 2025.
The COAS said deliberations at the conference provided a critical appraisal of the Army’s operational and administrative performance in 2025 and would guide policies and actions in the coming year.
He said the army would immediately realign its training, operations, logistics and administrative processes with his Command Philosophy.
According to him, his command philosophy is aimed at strengthening the force’s capacity to discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
Shaibu ordered a total overhaul of training curricula across all Army institutions, with emphasis on realistic, mission-oriented and mission-specific training.
He said the Army Headquarters, through the Department of Training, would prioritise Special Forces and Army Aviation to enhance operational outcomes.
“The Nigerian Army will make informed but bold changes to its training and operational activities, including deliberate interventions to strengthen Special Forces institutions,” he said.
Shaibu noted that intelligence briefings at the conference highlighted the increasing complexity of Nigeria’s security environment.
He stressed the need to boost Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), cyber operations and technological innovation.
He said the army would continue to adapt and innovate, leveraging support from the political leadership for the procurement of critical military hardware and software, while fostering a culture of innovation at all levels.
On welfare, the COAS reaffirmed his commitment to addressing accommodation deficits across Army barracks nationwide.
He directed the completion and immediate allocation of all ongoing residential projects and announced the initiation of new housing projects, alongside extensive renovations as interim measures.
Shaibu also said post-service housing for soldiers remained a priority, announcing the commissioning of the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Akobo Project and the Post-Service Housing Development Limited Shopping Complex in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He commended the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) and the conference planning committee for the successful organisation of the event, as well as participants for their robust contributions.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, for his sustained support, reaffirming the army’s loyalty to the President and the Constitution.
The COAS Annual Conference 2025, which was declared open by the President on Dec. 14, drew participants from Defence Headquarters, formations and units of the Nigerian Army nationwide. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OYS/ YMU
Edited by Yakubu Uba
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