Nigerian Army named Africa’s best in counter-terrorism operations

The Nigerian Army has been recognized continentally, named Africa's Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch. This accolade acknowledges the Army's significant operational achievements, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism across the region.

The award was formally presented to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja. Major General Teriworie Gagariga had previously accepted the honor on behalf of the Nigerian Army at the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony held in Banjul, The Gambia. African Security Watch cited the Nigerian Army's success in coordinated joint operations, intelligence-driven campaigns, civil-military cooperation, force development, and capacity building as key factors for the recognition.

General Shaibu described the award as a testament to the courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of Nigerian Army personnel. He stated that the honor reflects the dedication of officers and soldiers confronting security threats nationwide. "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 remarked.

He dedicated the award to the memory of officers and soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty and to their families for their steadfast support. Shaibu reaffirmed the Army's commitment to sustaining its operational gains through intelligence-led operations, enhanced training, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and improved personnel welfare. The Army chief pledged to continue transforming the force into a more professional, adaptive, and combat-ready entity capable of effectively responding to emerging security challenges.

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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.