Advance training, technology-driven operations key to Nigerian Army success — COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the importance of advanced training and technology-driven operations in boosting the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army in modern warfare.
The COAS stated this on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week 2026 held at the Jaji Military Cantonment.
The week-long programme brought together serving and retired senior military officers for strategic engagements, lectures and practical demonstrations aimed at strengthening the Army’s capacity in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.

The event, themed “Building Troops’ Resilience through Counter Terrorism Campaigns,” highlighted the need for innovation, adaptability and continuous professional development in addressing evolving security challenges.
Presentations were delivered by seasoned resource persons and retired generals, with discussions focusing on emerging threats, contemporary warfare dynamics and the imperative of building resilient and highly skilled forces capable of operating effectively in complex combat environments.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged troops to remain resilient, cohesive and combat-ready in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities. He stressed that while modern equipment is essential, success on the battlefield depends largely on well-trained, disciplined and adaptive personnel.

In a statement issued by Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS further highlighted the integration of drone warfare, combat aviation and advanced training methodologies as critical force multipliers for future operations.
He noted that the Nigerian Army would continue to leverage technology to improve operational effectiveness and sustain momentum in ongoing counterterrorism campaigns across the country.
In his remarks, the Commander, Infantry Corps, Major General Godwin Mutkut, commended the COAS for what he described as purposeful leadership, noting that it has significantly improved troop welfare and enhanced operational efficiency within the Nigerian Army.

The training week featured live firepower demonstrations by the combat arms of the Nigerian Army, showcasing various calibres of weapons, armoured vehicles and advanced combat platforms. It also included a combined Infantry and Armour manoeuvre simulation conducted in a realistic combat environment.

A symbolic Pulling Out Ceremony was also held in honour of distinguished retired Infantry generals.
The Combat Arms Training Week 2026 reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening professional capacity through advanced training, integrating modern technologies into military operations and sustaining gains in the fight against terrorism nationwide.