COAS Conference: Army Expands Formations Nationwide, Honours Fallen Heroes
The Nigerian Army on Monday unveiled plans to expand its formations nationwide to strengthen ongoing operations against insecurity and improve operational effectiveness across the country.
The announcement was made by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the opening of the First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja, where families of fallen soldiers and wounded troops were also honoured.
The event opened on a solemn note as the Army Chief presented Nigerian Army Personnel Insurance cheques to families of soldiers who died in active service, as well as troops wounded in action, in what military authorities described as a reaffirmation of the Army’s commitment to troop welfare and sacrifice.
The symbolic gesture, marked by emotion, underscored the Army’s pledge to honour personnel who paid the ultimate price in the defence of the country and support those left behind.
Speaking during the conference, Shaibu said the gathering would provide military commanders with an opportunity to review ongoing operations, evaluate gains made in the first half of 2026, and develop strategies for addressing security challenges in the months ahead.
He stressed that discussions at the conference would centre on operational readiness, evolving threats, and measures to improve effectiveness across all theatres of operation.
The COAS commended officers and soldiers for what he described as their resilience, professionalism, and gallantry in tackling insurgency, banditry, and other security threats across the country.
He paid tribute to troops who lost their lives in service, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices remained critical to Nigeria’s unity and peace.
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Shaibu also reaffirmed his “Soldier First Concept,” emphasising that troop welfare, morale, training, and empowerment remained central to maintaining operational effectiveness.
According to him, commanders at all levels have been directed to sustain close engagement with troops to ensure high morale and readiness.
The Army Chief further disclosed that the Nigerian Army was expanding its operational footprint through the establishment of new formations nationwide, alongside increased recruitment, infrastructure development, improved welfare packages, and enhanced healthcare services for personnel.
He added that prompt medical evacuation for injured troops, both within and outside the country, remained a priority under the Army’s welfare programme.
Shaibu also highlighted the importance of stronger civil-military relations, noting that public support remained a vital factor in achieving security successes.
He said the Army would continue to complement military operations with people-centred initiatives aimed at building trust and stability in communities affected by insecurity.
The COAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for sustained support to the Nigerian Army, saying presidential backing had enabled the acquisition of modern equipment, refurbishment of operational platforms, and improvement in combat capability.
Earlier, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, said the conference would consolidate operational gains and chart a clear path for the remainder of the year.
Alabi commended troops for their commitment to counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations nationwide and urged participants to contribute meaningfully to deliberations aimed at strengthening the Army’s operational effectiveness.
By PRNigeria
