By Elizabeth Tanko
Abuja, Nigeria — The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to the welfare of personnel beyond active service, while pushing far-reaching reforms to transform the force into a professional, technology-driven and combat-ready Army.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu stated this on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when he hosted the Executive Committee of the Course 39 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) United Welfare Association, led by its President, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (Rtd), at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
This was part of a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele and made available to Security Watch Africa.
The COAS said sustained engagement with veterans and retired officers remains a critical pillar of institutional development, stressing that their wealth of operational experience and leadership expertise is indispensable to tackling Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
According to him, such engagements enhance institutional memory, strengthen mentorship and ensure continuity in the Nigerian Army.
In demonstration of his commitment to welfare beyond service, General Shaibu announced a N25 million donation to the association’s Emergency Health Fund to support the medical needs of its members.
He noted that caring for those who have served the nation faithfully remains an enduring responsibility of the Army.
The Army Chief also unveiled ongoing transformation initiatives aimed at expanding operational reach and combat effectiveness.
He disclosed that the Nigerian Army has expanded to 12 divisions and is integrating 28,000 new recruits through regional training depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri Edda to boost responsiveness across theatres of operation.
He added that a revised training curriculum with greater emphasis on marksmanship, physical fitness and fieldcraft is being implemented to produce troops capable of operating in complex security environments.
On modernisation, Shaibu said the Army is transitioning to multi-domain operations through the integration of space, cyber and non-kinetic capabilities, alongside the rapid development of Army Aviation and Unmanned Aerial Systems to enhance situational awareness, mobility and response to emerging threats.
He further highlighted the institutionalisation of the Senior Executive Transition Programme designed to prepare retiring senior officers and their spouses for life after service, as part of a holistic welfare package.
Earlier, Air Vice Marshal Daramola (Rtd) congratulated Lt. Gen. Shaibu on his appointment and promotion, and commended his efforts to strengthen the Army’s force structure.
He thanked the Army leadership for its support to the association in health insurance, emergency assistance and capacity-building, and pledged the readiness of Course 39 members to support the Army through mentorship, advisory roles and specialised expertise in the interest of national security.
