The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has attributed recent operational successes to the acquisition of modern combat enablers, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers, surveillance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and armed drones as well as the expansion of Nigerian Army Aviation which greatly improves operational reach, precision and response capability.

Shaibu also attributed the successes to the strategic leadership of the President and Commander-in-Chief Armed Forces Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose support and provision of critical resources have significantly enhanced the Army’s capacity to confront emerging threats.

The army chief disclosed this during an interactive session with Media Executives on Saturday, 4 July 2026, at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.

He added that ongoing joint operations with sister services, security agencies and international partners have led to the neutralisation of key terrorist elements, disruption of criminal networks and restoration of stability in several theatres of operation.

Emphasising that quality training remains a fundamental component of troop welfare, the COAS revealed that the Nigerian Army has significantly expanded its manpower generation capacity to meet evolving security demands.

He said that in addition to the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, two new training depots have been established in Osogbo, Osun State and Amasiri-Idda in Ebonyi State, thereby enhancing recruit training and accelerating the production of disciplined and combat-ready personnel.

Shaibu noted that this expansion reflects a deliberate investment in human capital development to sustain operational effectiveness.

On personnel welfare, he reiterated that the morale and fighting spirit of troops of the Nigerian Army are directly linked to their well-being. He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the construction of new accommodation, subsidised education through Nigerian Army Command Schools, improved medical services and the effective implementation of the Group Life Assurance Scheme, which has benefited about 15,000 personnel.

He added that enhanced welfare packages approved by the Federal Government are aimed at boosting morale, strengthening esprit de corps and ensuring troops remain focused on mission accomplishment.

Shaibu explained that prudent resource management, transparency and accountability, alongside increased patronage of indigenous defence industries such as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the Command Engineering Depot, Kaduna, and the Special Vehicle Plant, Bauchi, have enhanced self-reliance, strengthened logistics and improved institutional efficiency. He noted that these measures are positioning the Nigerian Army to effectively address current and future security challenges.

Shaibu expressed appreciation to the media for its professionalism and balanced reportage, describing credible information management as a critical component of modern warfare and national security, urging media organisations and Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces through responsible reporting, constructive engagement and collective vigilance.”