The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, has charged commanders and senior officers of the Nigerian Army to continually reassess and adapt operational strategies in response to the country’s rapidly changing security challenges.
Shaibu gave the directive on Monday while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja, where top military commanders, field officers and strategic planners gathered to review ongoing operations and chart new approaches for tackling insecurity across the country.
Addressing participants at the conference, the Army Chief said the current security environment in Nigeria had become increasingly complex, dynamic and unpredictable, demanding proactive leadership, innovation and stronger operational capabilities from officers at all levels.
He noted that the evolving tactics being deployed by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups had made it imperative for the military to move beyond conventional approaches to warfare and internal security management.
According to him, modern security threats now require intelligence-driven operations, rapid adaptation, inter-agency cooperation and improved technological capabilities to effectively neutralise criminal networks threatening national peace and stability.
Shaibu stressed that commanders must remain alert and flexible in responding to emerging threats, warning that criminal elements continuously change their modes of operation in a bid to outsmart security agencies.
He said the Nigerian Army could not afford to remain static while adversaries evolved, adding that strategic innovation and operational review had become critical components of military success in contemporary conflicts.
The COAS explained that the bi-annual conference was designed to evaluate the performance of ongoing military operations across various theatres in the country, identify operational gaps and develop fresh strategies for addressing persistent security concerns.
He stated that the gathering would also provide an opportunity for senior officers to exchange ideas, review intelligence reports and strengthen coordination among formations operating in different parts of Nigeria.
Shaibu urged commanders to place greater emphasis on professionalism, discipline and the welfare of troops, stressing that a motivated and well-equipped force remained essential for achieving operational success.
He also emphasised the importance of collaboration between the military and other security agencies, noting that the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes required a united national approach.
The Army Chief acknowledged the sacrifices being made daily by officers and soldiers in various operational theatres, commending troops for their resilience, courage and commitment despite difficult conditions.
He assured Nigerians that the Army remained fully committed to defending the nation’s territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in restoring peace in troubled areas.
Shaibu further reaffirmed the military’s determination to sustain ongoing offensives against criminal groups while adopting more effective strategies to respond to new threats as they emerge.
Security analysts have continued to call for enhanced military coordination, improved intelligence gathering and deployment of modern technology in addressing the country’s worsening security situation.
In recent years, Nigeria has faced multiple security challenges ranging from insurgency in the North-East to banditry in the North-West, communal clashes in parts of the Middle Belt and increasing incidents of kidnapping for ransom across several states.
The conference in Abuja is expected to produce fresh operational frameworks and strategic recommendations aimed at strengthening the Nigerian Army’s capacity to confront these threats and improve national security outcomes.
Participants at the event include top commanders from various divisions, training institutions and operational commands of the Nigerian Army, as well as other senior defence officials involved in national security planning.
Observers believe the conference comes at a critical time as security agencies intensify efforts to contain violent crimes and stabilise vulnerable communities across the country.
For many Nigerians, the success of the military’s evolving strategies will be crucial in restoring public confidence and ensuring lasting peace and stability nationwide.
