COAS Tasks Commanders on Accountability, Combat Readiness at Army Conference
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed commanders across the Nigerian Army to strengthen operational effectiveness through strict accountability, professionalism and result-oriented leadership aimed at addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the charge while delivering his closing remarks at the Chief of Army Staff Bi-Annual Conference 2026 held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja.
The Army Chief said the conference achieved its primary objectives by providing a strategic platform for critical assessment of ongoing operations and the development of forward-looking strategies to improve the Army’s response to contemporary security threats.
According to him, deliberations at the conference centred on improving operational responses, strengthening training structures and adapting military operations to the realities of the modern security environment.
He stated that the resolutions reached during the conference were designed to build a more agile, combat-ready, technologically advanced and mission-oriented force capable of effectively confronting emerging threats.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to improve operational capability, the COAS disclosed that the Nigerian Army had acquired additional tactical drones and reconfigured its aviation assets for combat operations.
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He noted that the enhancements had significantly boosted intelligence gathering, precision targeting, operational mobility and casualty evacuation during military operations.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also stressed the importance of sustained investment in recruitment, advanced training, professional military education and leadership development, adding that discipline, competence and merit-based systems remained critical to institutional integrity and operational excellence.
Reaffirming his “soldier-first” philosophy, the Army Chief emphasized that motivated personnel operating under conducive conditions were essential to mission success.
He consequently directed commanders to prioritise troop welfare through prompt payment of entitlements, improved healthcare services, educational support and enhanced welfare packages for soldiers and their families.
The COAS urged participants to ensure that resolutions reached during the conference translate into measurable operational outcomes, stressing that implementation remained the true test of the conference’s success.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further commended the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, as well as heads of security and intelligence agencies for their collaboration in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
The conference also featured the presentation of COAS commendation plaques to senior officers who successfully completed their tours of duty, alongside the unveiling of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Feature Centre insignia.
By PRNigeria
