A coalition of civil society organisations under the aegis of the Nigeria Integrity Watch (NIW) has commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for introducing welfare-focused reforms that it said have significantly improved troop morale and enhanced the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness in the fight against terrorism and other security threats.

In a statement signed by its leadership, the coalition described the Army’s “Soldier-First” doctrine as a strategic shift that has addressed long-standing welfare concerns affecting military personnel while strengthening combat readiness across various theatres of operation.

According to the group, key reforms under the current military leadership include the implementation of a ₦100,000 baseline monthly salary adjustment for personnel and the expansion of post-retirement housing initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and future security of serving and retired soldiers.

The coalition noted that placing personnel welfare at the centre of military administration has translated into greater motivation, professionalism, and improved operational performance against insurgents and other criminal elements.

Highlighting the Army’s housing intervention programme, the group praised the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) initiative, describing it as a landmark effort to guarantee decent accommodation for military personnel after retirement.

It cited the commissioning of an 80-unit AHOOAS estate at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State, where five per cent of the housing units have been reserved free of charge for soldiers wounded in action.

The coalition also referenced the inauguration of a 60-unit residential estate and shopping complex at Akobo Cantonment in Ibadan, Oyo State, as well as the completion of modern accommodation and housing projects at Ribadu Cantonment in Kaduna State. It added that similar projects are ongoing in other military formations across the country.

“For decades, uncertainty over life after service weighed heavily on many Nigerian soldiers. By prioritising housing and ensuring that wounded personnel are adequately catered for, Lieutenant General Shaibu is restoring confidence and dignity within the ranks.

These reforms represent a strategic investment in national security rather than mere welfare programmes,” the coalition stated.

The group further attributed the Army’s recent operational gains to the implementation of the PROSE Command Philosophy—Professionalism, Readiness, Operational Efficiency, Soldier Welfare, and Ethical Civil-Military Relations.

According to the coalition, the command philosophy has strengthened discipline, enhanced operational coordination, and improved relations between the military and host communities, thereby creating an enabling environment for intelligence gathering and successful military operations.

The coalition pointed to recent military operations in the North-East, where troops reportedly dismantled a terrorist logistics network and uncovered the involvement of foreign nationals allegedly supporting insurgent activities in Nigeria. It said the operations dealt significant blows to transnational terrorist networks operating around the Lake Chad Basin.

The group also commended the Nigerian Army for its role in the rescue of 44 students and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, describing the operation as evidence of improved tactical coordination, professionalism, and the renewed fighting spirit of troops.

While applauding the military’s achievements, Nigeria Integrity Watch stressed that lasting peace and security require sustained collaboration between security agencies and the public.

The coalition urged Nigerians to support ongoing military operations by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of preventing attacks and dismantling criminal networks.

“The progress being recorded in the North-East, Oyo State, and other parts of the country demonstrates what can be achieved through visionary leadership, improved troop welfare, and sound operational strategy. However, security remains a collective responsibility.

We therefore call on citizens, community leaders, and civil society organisations to continue working closely with the Armed Forces to defeat terrorism and safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty,” the statement added.