Nigerian Army honoured as Africa’s best in counter-terrorism operations

The Nigerian Army has been honored as Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch. This award recognizes the Army's significant efforts in combating terrorism and violent extremism across the continent. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, formally received the accolade at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, stated that the award acknowledges the Army's operational successes, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment to counter-terrorism. Major General Teriworie Gagariga had previously accepted the award on behalf of the Nigerian Army at the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony in Banjul, The Gambia. African Security Watch cited the Nigerian Army's success in coordinated joint operations, intelligence-led campaigns, civil-military cooperation, force development, and capacity building as reasons for the recognition. The organization noted that these operations have effectively disrupted terrorist networks and bolstered national and regional security.

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The award validates the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army’s evolving counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategy and reinforces its position as a continental model for addressing complex security challenges.

Lieutenant General Shaibu described the award as a testament to the courage, professionalism, and sacrifice of Nigerian Army personnel. He emphasized that the recognition reflects the dedication of officers and soldiers confronting security threats throughout Nigeria. "The award validates the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army’s evolving counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategy and reinforces its position as a continental model for addressing complex security challenges," Shaibu stated. He dedicated the award to fallen soldiers and their families, acknowledging their sacrifice and unwavering support, which he said continues to inspire the military's mission for peace.

General Shaibu reaffirmed the Army's commitment to building on its operational successes. This includes continuing intelligence-driven operations, enhancing training, strengthening collaboration with other security agencies, and improving personnel welfare. He pledged that the Nigerian Army will persist in its transformation into a more professional, adaptive, and combat-ready force, capable of effectively responding to emerging security threats. "The Nigerian Army will continue to advance its transformation into a more professional, adaptive, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges while making meaningful contributions to regional peace and security," he said. This honor highlights the Nigerian Army's increasing role in regional security and its contributions to the fight against terrorism and violent extremism throughout Africa.

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The Nigerian Army will continue to advance its transformation into a more professional, adaptive, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges while making meaningful contributions to regional peace and security.