The Nigerian Army has acquired more drones and other platforms described as force multipliers to significantly enhance its surveillance, target acquisition, precision strikes and casualty evacuation capabilities.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu disclosed this during the close of a three-day First Bi-Annual Chief of Army Staff Conference 2026.

He said that the evolving character of contemporary threats demands that the Army remain proactive, adaptive and innovative.

During the opening of the conference, Shaibu had said the new platforms were partly responsible for recent successes in operation in the North East.

He directed all commanders at all levels to translate the outcomes of the conference into measurable actions within their respective formations. According to him, the true value of this conference will not merely lie in the quality of presentations delivered, but in the extent to which these lessons are learned and the decisions reached are implemented.

He added that the momentum of transformation and continued building of institutions must be sustained for the future generation of Nigerians.

On troops’ welfare, the COAS said the soldier-first culture remains central to his command philosophy as the “soldier is the Nigerian army’s most critical asset,” adding that the discussion on welfare programmes such as timely payment of entitlements, improved health care services, educational support and enhanced welfare package will significantly contribute to the overall combat effectiveness of our troops.

“We must therefore continue to prioritise the well-being of our personnel and their families.”

The Army Chief said that there are several direct intervention projects currently ongoing across the Nigerian army formations for a more conducive working and living conditions critical to strengthening the army’s combat readiness, as those intervention efforts were made with the realisation that a well-motivated soldier operating in a conducive environment will undoubtedly demonstrate higher morale, loyalty and effectiveness.

Shaibu said one of the major takeaways from the conference is the renewed drive for institutional accountability and professional standards that enhance performance assessment mechanisms.

“I have carefully observed the depth of contributions during this conference and I’m particularly encouraged by the maturity, sincerity and the strategic focus that characterise our engagements. Specifically, rather than dwelling on the challenges alone, discussions were largely centred on practical solutions, innovation and on how to improve the Nigerian army,” he noted.

“Finally, on behalf of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I wish to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his unflinching support, strategic guidance and commitment to strengthening the capacity of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces in general. His continuous support has enabled many of the transformative initiatives that we are witnessing across the Nigerian army.” (Guardian)

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