COAS Shaibu Calls for Joint Operations as Army Expands to 12 Divisions
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger joint operations, intelligence sharing and multi-domain integration to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges as the Nigerian Army expands its force structure from eight to 12 divisions.
Shaibu made the call on Monday while speaking at the graduation lecture of Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 10/2026 in Abuja, where he stressed that the complexity of contemporary warfare requires closer coordination among the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He said the Army’s expansion was a strategic measure to improve territorial coverage, strengthen operational responsiveness and position the force to address emerging security threats across the country.
According to the COAS, the restructuring goes beyond increasing the number of formations and personnel, as its ultimate objective is to build a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready Army capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency environments.
He emphasised that the effectiveness of the expanded force would depend on the integration of trained personnel, modern technology, actionable intelligence, effective logistics and reliable command-and-control systems.
Shaibu cautioned that increased manpower and additional formations must translate into improved combat capability, operational flexibility and measurable security outcomes.
The Army chief also urged military commanders to adopt innovative approaches to warfare by integrating intelligence, technology, information operations and combat capabilities across multiple operational domains.
He stressed that operational effectiveness must be matched by professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law to sustain public confidence and strengthen institutional credibility.
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Addressing participants of Course 10/2026, Shaibu urged them to apply the strategic knowledge and leadership skills acquired during their training to improve operational planning, strengthen inter-agency cooperation and support the transformation of the Nigerian Army.
The graduation lecture, titled “Winning in Complex Security Environments: Reimagining the Nigerian Army Force Structure for Multi-Domain Operations,” was delivered by former National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.).
Monguno called for a fundamental reassessment of military structures, doctrines and operational concepts to enable the Armed Forces to respond more effectively to emerging and increasingly complex security threats.
He highlighted the growing importance of integrating land, air, cyber and information capabilities in modern warfare, noting that emerging technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence and digital communication platforms, were changing the character of military operations.
The retired general advocated sustained investment in technological innovation, intelligence integration, institutional reforms and continuous professional military education to equip military commanders with the skills required to operate in complex and contested environments.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Major General Umar Alkali, commended the COAS for his support in strengthening the institution’s capacity to develop operational-level commanders and strategic leaders.
Alkali said participants of Course 10/2026 had undergone rigorous professional training designed to improve their critical thinking, operational planning and leadership capabilities for contemporary military assignments.
The graduation lecture was part of activities marking the completion of Course 10/2026 and underscored the Nigerian Army’s emphasis on developing commanders with the intellectual, technological and operational competencies required to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.
By PRNigeria
