By Augustine Ehikioya
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the critical role of advanced training and technology-driven operations in enhancing the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army in modern warfare.
He made the remark on Thursday, 7 May 2026, during the closing ceremony of the Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week 2026 held at the Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna.
The week-long programme, according to a statement by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), brought together serving and retired senior officers for strategic engagements, lectures and practical demonstrations aimed at strengthening the Army’s capacity in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.
“It also highlighted the importance of innovation, adaptability and continuous professional development in addressing evolving security challenges.”
The event, themed “Building Troops’ Resilience through Counter Terrorism Campaigns,” featured presentations by seasoned resource persons and retired generals.
Discussions centred on emerging threats, contemporary warfare dynamics and the need to build resilient, highly skilled forces capable of operating effectively in complex combat environments.
The COAS charged troops to remain resilient, cohesive and combat-ready in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
He emphasised that while modern equipment remains essential, success in today’s battlespace depends largely on well-trained, disciplined and adaptive personnel.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further highlighted the integration of drone warfare, combat aviation and advanced training methodologies as critical force multipliers for future operations, noting that the Nigerian Army will continue to leverage technology to enhance operational effectiveness.
In his remarks, the Commander Infantry Corps, Major General Godwin Mutkut, commended the COAS for his purposeful leadership, which he noted has significantly improved troops welfare and strengthened operational efficiency across the Nigerian Army.
The training week featured the demonstration of live firepower of the Combat arms of the Nigerian Army featuring various calibres of weapons, armoured vehicles, and advanced combat platforms, as well as a combined Infantry and Armour manoeuvre simulation in a realistic combat environment.
The event also featured a symbolic Pulling Out Ceremony in honour of distinguished retired Infantry Generals.
The Combat Arms Training Week 2026 reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to strengthening professional capacity through advanced training, integrating modern technologies into operations and sustaining momentum in ongoing counterterrorism campaigns nationwide.
