The Nigerian Army has established additional formations and units across six states as part of efforts to strengthen operational capacity and improve responses to emerging security threats nationwide.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu made this known when he opened the First Bi-Annual Chief of Army Staff Conference 2026 in Abuja yesterday.

Lt- Gen Shaibu listed some of the new formations and units as the 15 Brigade and affiliated units in Anambra and Imo states; the 12 Battalion in Anyigba, Kogi State; the 226 Battalion in Ganye, Adamawa State; the 247 Reconnaissance Battalion in Mubi, Adamawa State; Army Headquarters Logistics Base 4 in Gusau, Zamfara State; Army Logistics Base 5 in Ilorin, Kwara State, as well as Operation Savannah Shield in the North-Central region.

He said Nigeria’s security environment remains volatile, dynamic and increasingly complex, driven by asymmetric threats, insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality across different regions of the country.

According to him, the evolving security landscape informed the Army’s decision to expand its operational footprint through the establishment of new formations and task forces in strategic locations.

The COAS urged commanders to maintain close engagement with troops to ensure they remain motivated, well-prepared and mission-ready.

“As leaders, we must embody decisiveness, resilience, empathy and unwavering commitment, while setting the example for others to follow,” he said.

The COAS noted that the Army had strengthened its operational posture through sustained deployments, reconfiguration of formations and the creation of new units in critical areas.

“A major enabler of our recent successes has been the increasing role of Nigerian Army aviation.

“Notably, for the first time in the North-East theatre, our aviation assets successfully supported troop insertion and extraction operations in difficult terrains, marking a significant operational milestone,” he added.

Shaibu also said the Army had recorded progress in force expansion through ongoing recruitment, enhanced logistics, intelligence-driven operations and improved rapid response capabilities.

The Army Chief said the recent elimination of a high-ranking terrorist commander through coordinated operations underscored the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and strategic collaboration among security agencies.

He commended officers and soldiers for their resilience, gallantry and professionalism in confronting the country’s security challenges.

Army honours fallen heroes, supports wounded troops

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of personnel and families of fallen heroes by presenting insurance cheques to the families of slain soldiers and troops wounded in action.

The Nation reports that no fewer than 136 families benefited from the welfare initiative under the Nigerian Army Personnel Insurance Scheme (NAPIS), a special vehicle designed to support soldiers injured, hospitalised or killed in the line of duty.

Next of kin of five soldiers who died during operations and five wounded troops drawn from different theatres of operation across the country received cheques during the ceremony. Payments were also made to 136 other beneficiaries through direct credits to their bank accounts.

Lt. Gen. Shaibu said the Army was committed to honouring the sacrifices of its personnel through improved welfare, healthcare and support systems for troops and their families.

The COAS commended officers and soldiers for their resilience, gallantry and professionalism in tackling insecurity across the country, while paying tribute to personnel who lost their lives defending the nation.

He said the Army’s “Soldier First Concept” places premium attention on troop welfare, morale, training and empowerment as critical components of operational success.

Lt.-Gen. Shaibu also disclosed that the Army was expanding its operational footprint nationwide through the establishment of new formations, increased recruitment, improved infrastructure and enhanced welfare packages. (The Nation)

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