The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, has announced far-reaching reforms in the Nigerian Army’s training, intelligence, operational and welfare frameworks as the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 came to a close in Lagos.

 

Lieutenant General Shaibu made the announcement on Thursday while delivering his closing remarks at the conference held at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks. He described the conference as a vital platform for a comprehensive assessment of the Army’s operational and administrative performance in 2025, noting that the outcomes of the deliberations would guide policies and actions in the coming year.

 

According to the COAS, the Nigerian Army will immediately realign its training, operations, logistics and administrative processes with his Command Philosophy. He explained that the philosophy is designed to transform the Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

 

As part of the reform agenda, Lieutenant General Shaibu announced a total overhaul of training curricula across all Nigerian Army training institutions. He stressed that realistic, mission-oriented training has a direct impact on operational effectiveness and success, adding that Army Headquarters, through the Department of Training, would spearhead the implementation of mission-specific training programmes.

 

He revealed that increased emphasis would be placed on Special Forces and Army Aviation to achieve desired operational outcomes. “The Nigerian Army will make informed but bold changes to its training and operational activities in the coming year, including deliberate interventions to enhance the capacity of the Special Forces institutions,” he said.

 

The COAS further noted that intelligence briefings and operational updates presented during the conference underscored the growing complexity of Nigeria’s security environment. He emphasised the need to strengthen capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), cyber operations and technological innovation in order to effectively counter evolving threats.

 

Lieutenant General Shaibu assured that the Army would continue to adapt and innovate, while leveraging the support of the nation’s political leadership in the procurement of critical military hardware and software, and fostering a culture of innovation at all levels of command.

 

On troops’ welfare, the Army Chief reaffirmed his commitment to addressing accommodation deficits across Nigerian Army barracks nationwide. He disclosed that all ongoing residential accommodation projects have been directed to be completed and allocated without delay, while new housing projects would be initiated across formations. He added that extensive renovation works would also be undertaken as an interim measure.

 

He further assured officers and soldiers that post-service housing remains a top 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.

 

The COAS commended the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) and members of the conference planning committee for the successful organisation of the event, as well as participants for their robust and unprecedented contributions, which he said would enrich future strategies and policy formulation.

 

Lieutenant General Shaibu also expressed the Nigerian Army’s appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his sustained support, reaffirming the Army’s unwavering loyalty to the President and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

The Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 was declared open on Monday, 14 December 2025, by the President and attracted participants from Defence Headquarters and all Nigerian Army formations and units across the country.