COAS Orders Training Reforms, Intelligence Upgrades

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered far-reaching reforms in training and intelligence as part of a comprehensive overhaul of the Nigerian Army’s operational and administrative structures, aimed at building a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.

Shaibu gave the directive in his closing remarks at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025, held at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, Lagos.

He noted that the conference served as a critical forum for reviewing Army’s operational and administrative performance in 2025 and for setting priorities that would guide policies and actions in the year ahead.

In a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS said the Nigerian Army would immediately realign its training, operations, logistics and administrative processes with his Command Philosophy.

According to him, the philosophy was designed to accelerate the ongoing transformation of the Army and enhance its ability to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

Central to the reforms, the COAS announced a total overhaul of training curricula across all Nigerian Army training institutions.

He stressed that realistic and mission-oriented training has a direct bearing on operational effectiveness and success.

He added that the Army Headquarters, through the Department of Training, would drive mission-specific training programmes, with increased emphasis on Special Forces and Army Aviation to achieve desired operational outcomes.

He said the Army would introduce informed but bold changes to its training and operational activities in the coming year, including deliberate interventions to strengthen the capacity of Special Forces institutions.

Shaibu further observed that intelligence briefings and operational updates presented at the conference highlighted the increasing complexity of Nigeria’s security environment.

In response, he emphasised the need to upgrade capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), cyber operations and technological innovation to effectively counter emerging and evolving threats.

The COAS added that the Nigerian 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.