Terrorism, organised crime major threats to Nigeria – COAS

Nigeria faces significant security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, separatist agitations, and transnational organized crime, according to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu. He highlighted these threats during the graduation ceremony for 1,182 Special Forces troops who completed an advanced infantry training program.

The six-month training program, conducted under Exercise Restore Hope X at the Nigerian Army Training Centre in Kachia, Kaduna State, is designed to bolster the army's counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism capabilities. Shaibu emphasized that this program is crucial for developing a professional, combat-ready, and resilient force capable of confronting the nation's evolving security landscape.

“

I charge you to remain morally upright and conduct yourselves in a manner that reflects the values of the Nigerian Army.

During the ceremony, Shaibu charged the graduating troops to uphold human rights and the rule of law in their operations. He stressed the importance of moral uprightness and conducting themselves in a manner that reflects the Nigerian Army's values. The training aims to instill a warrior ethos, sharpen combat skills, and prepare soldiers to effectively counter emerging threats.

“

The programme is designed to instil the warrior ethos, sharpen combat skills and prepare our soldiers to confront emerging security threats.

This development coincides with the Nigerian Army's ongoing expansion and capability enhancement, following President Bola Tinubu's approval for new divisions, formations, and units. Many of the newly trained troops are expected to form the foundation of these new formations. Shaibu urged the soldiers to justify the investment in their training through professionalism, sound judgment, and dedication, reminding them that adversaries are constantly evolving their tactics and sophistication. Soldiers must remain adaptable, innovative, physically fit, mentally alert, and technologically proficient to succeed.

Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, the Chief of Training (Army), described the graduation as a milestone in building a highly skilled and combat-effective force. He noted that while the program initially received foreign support, Nigerian instructors now fully manage and enhance its quality. Graduates from previous batches have already made significant contributions to various operations.

“

Our adversaries continue to evolve in tactics and sophistication. You must remain adaptable, innovative, physically fit, mentally alert and technologically proficient to defeat them.