The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has announced plans for a comprehensive overhaul of the Nigerian Army’s training curriculum as well as its operational and administrative frameworks to enhance professionalism, adaptability, combat readiness and institutional resilience.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Army spokesperson, Col. Onyechi Anele, following Shaibu’s closing remarks at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 held in Lagos.
According to the statement, the COAS said the Nigerian Army would immediately begin realigning its training, operations, logistics and administrative processes with his command philosophy, which is aimed at deepening institutional transformation and strengthening the Army’s capacity to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
“As part of this drive, the COAS disclosed plans for a total overhaul of training curricula across all Nigerian Army training institutions, stressing that realistic, mission-oriented training has a direct impact on operational effectiveness and success,” the statement read in part.
Shaibu said the conference provided an opportunity for a comprehensive assessment of the Army’s operational and administrative performance in 2025, noting that outcomes of the deliberations would guide policies, reforms and actions in the coming year.
He added that intelligence briefings and operational updates at the conference underscored the growing complexity of Nigeria’s security environment, stressing the need to strengthen capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance, cyber operations and technological innovation.
The COAS said the Army would continue to adapt and innovate while leveraging support from the political leadership for the procurement of critical military hardware and software.
On troops’ welfare, Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to addressing accommodation deficits across Army barracks nationwide.
He said all ongoing residential projects had been directed to be completed and allocated promptly, while new housing projects would be initiated and renovation works undertaken as interim measures.
He also said post-service housing for soldiers remained a priority, announcing the commissioning of the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Akobo Project and the Post-Service Housing Development Limited Shopping Complex in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Shaibu commended the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), members of the conference planning committee and participants for their contributions, which he said would shape future strategies and policy formulation.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s loyalty to the President and the Constitution.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Emmanuel Aneke, on Thursday directed Nigerian Air Force commanders to sustain aggressive operations against bandits and other criminal elements, urging them to fight smart, retain the initiative and deliver decisive results.
Aneke gave the directive during his maiden visit to Nigerian Air Force formations at the Air Force Base in Kaduna, where he addressed officers, airmen and airwomen at a durbar organised in his honour.
He said the visit was not routine but intended to facilitate direct engagement with personnel, exchange views and reaffirm shared responsibilities in line with the mission and values of the Nigerian Air Force.
Speaking on his assumption of office as the 23rd Chief of Air Staff, Aneke said he had undertaken a comprehensive review of challenges affecting the operational effectiveness of the Air Force and subsequently articulated a command philosophy aimed at improving performance.
“My command philosophy is to enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces in pursuit of national security objectives,” he said.
The Air Chief stressed that personnel motivation and welfare were central to operational success, noting that a well-motivated force would perform more efficiently with minimal supervision.
“My responsibility is to ensure that your morale remains high at all times. When personnel are motivated, they understand the mission and deliver faster and better,” he said.
Aneke also emphasised the importance of joint operations, urging commanders to collaborate effectively with other arms of the armed forces and security agencies during combined operations.
He said the command philosophy was not merely a slogan but a practical framework that must guide decision-making, planning, training and conduct at all levels of command.
The Air Chief commended officers and men of the Headquarters, Air Training Command and other co-located units for their professionalism and dedication, describing their roles as critical to operational success.
According to him, the effectiveness of the Air Force depended on the strength of its weakest link, stressing that every role—from cleaners and engineers to medical personnel, air traffic controllers and pilots—was vital.
“The quality of our operations depends directly on the quality of our training and sustainment systems. This is why the Air Training Command is critical; it is the foundation upon which everything else is built,” he said.
Aneke warned that Nigeria’s security environment remained complex and unforgiving, stressing that banditry and other threats must be confronted with sustained pressure and strict operational discipline.
“Banditry must be met with relentless pressure. We must fight smart, using the least effort to achieve maximum results, while retaining the initiative and dictating the terms of the battle,” he added.
He charged commanders to maintain the highest level of readiness for personnel, aircraft and weapon systems under their command, describing proactive leadership and discipline as non-negotiable.
On welfare, Aneke assured personnel of improved conditions of service, including prompt payment of allowances, enhanced medical support for personnel and their families, and the provision of essential operational tools.
“I am operating a policy of enhanced welfare. When I take care of you, I expect results. A motivated officer, airman or airwoman is more alert, disciplined and effective,” he said.
He added that intelligence-driven operations, a proactive safety culture and efficient use of available resources would remain the focus of his leadership, stressing that all personnel, regardless of role, were critical stakeholders in mission success.
