Nigerian Army Must Continuously Adapt to Emerging Threats – COAS
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called on commanders and senior officers of the Nigerian Army to continuously adapt operational strategies to effectively address emerging and evolving security threats confronting the nation.
Shaibu made the call on Monday during the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja.
The COAS said the contemporary security environment remained increasingly complex and dynamic, requiring proactive leadership, innovation and improved operational capabilities.
He stressed that the Army must remain flexible and adaptive in responding to threats posed by terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
According to him, military operations can no longer rely solely on conventional approaches due to the constantly changing tactics employed by adversaries.
“The evolving security environment demands that we continuously review and improve our operational strategies to remain ahead of those threatening the peace and stability of our country.
“We must remain proactive, resilient and innovative in addressing these security challenges,” he said.
Shaibu noted that the conference was strategically designed to assess operational realities across various theatres and formulate practical responses to emerging threats.
He explained that commanders and senior officers were expected to critically evaluate current operational methods and identify areas requiring strategic adjustments.
The COAS emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration within the joint and multi-agency environment to improve operational outcomes.
According to him, no single security agency can independently address the nation’s security challenges without effective synergy and information sharing.
Shaibu further stressed the importance of realistic and mission-oriented training programmes in enhancing troop preparedness and operational efficiency.
He disclosed that Army Headquarters had continued to prioritise troop training, logistics support and operational capability development.
The COAS said the Nigerian Army remained committed to building a highly professional and combat-ready force capable of responding decisively to contemporary threats.
He reiterated that discipline and adherence to rules of engagement remained critical to sustaining operational credibility and strengthening public trust.
According to him, improved professionalism among troops had positively impacted civil-military relations and enhanced the Army’s reputation nationally and internationally.
Shaibu urged officers and soldiers to uphold the Army’s core values of discipline, loyalty, courage and selfless service in all operational engagements.
He also charged participants at the conference to make meaningful contributions that would support the development of practical and sustainable security solutions.
The COAS assured Nigerians that the Army would continue to work tirelessly with other security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country.
He expressed confidence that deliberations at the conference would further reposition the Nigerian Army to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
The conference attracted senior military officers, heads of establishments, commanders, representatives of sister security agencies and members of the media.
