TINUBU REAFFIRMS SUPPORT AS ARMY CHARTS MODERN, COMBAT READY PATH AGAINST EVOLVING THREATS

Senior military commanders and top government officials converged in Lagos on Monday 15th December, 2025, for the opening of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025, with a unified message of Nigeria’s continuous effort to strengthen and modernize its’ Army to confront rising security threats and safeguard national development.

The conference, widely regarded as the Nigerian Army’s premier year end strategic forum, brings together serving and retired senior officers to review operational experiences, distil lessons from the field and shape policy and strategic direction for the coming year. Discussions are expected to significantly influence the Army’s posture and priorities heading into 2026.

Opening the conference, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, professionalism and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces. He paid tribute to both serving and retired senior officers, describing their sacrifices, leadership and institutional memory as pillars upon which the Nigerian Army’s enduring strength and reputation have been built.

The President noted that the Annual Conference provides a rare and critical space for honest reflection and strategic recalibration, particularly at a time when Nigeria faces increasingly complex security challenges spanning terrorism, insurgency, banditry and transnational organized crime. He stressed that national security remains central to stability, economic growth and democratic consolidation.

Echoing this outlook, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), described the gathering as a vital strategic platform for assessing operational readiness and aligning the Army’s future trajectory with broader national security objectives. He emphasized the necessity of joint operations, deeper inter-agency collaboration and a whole of society approach to addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted security landscape, urging commanders to ensure that the conference outcomes translate into measurable operational gains.

In his welcome address, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, outlined a forward looking command philosophy anchored on professionalism, adaptability and resilience. He reiterated the Army’s resolve to transform into a more combat ready and technology driven force capable of responding effectively to both conventional and asymmetric threats.

The COAS expressed appreciation for sustained executive and legislative support, particularly in the areas of personnel welfare, equipment modernization, training and institutional reforms, noting that such backing has significantly enhanced operational effectiveness across various theatres. He added that the conference would enable a comprehensive review of the Army’s readiness, doctrine and policies, ensuring alignment with emerging security realities.

Security and development featured prominently in the discourse, with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu describing security as a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable growth. He commended the Nigerian Army for its critical role in preserving national unity and democratic governance, while specifically acknowledging the contributions of the Army’s 81 Division to peace and stability in Lagos. The governor assured continued state level support for military operations and civil-military cooperation.

The opening ceremony attracted a distinguished audience, including senior government officials, Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff and Chiefs of Army Staff, heads of security agencies, diplomats and other stakeholders from Nigeria’s strategic community.

As deliberations continue, the COAS Annual Conference 2025 is expected to focus on sharpening operational effectiveness, strengthening interagency synergy and refining strategic responses to Nigeria’s evolving security threats, underscoring the Army’s central role in protecting national sovereignty while enabling development in an increasingly uncertain world.