By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Army has been recognised as Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch.

This is in recognition of its operational achievements against terrorism and violent extremism.

The honour was presented to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The award was handed over by Maj.-Gen. Teriworie Gagariga, who had earlier received it on behalf of the Nigerian army at the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony in Banjul, The Gambia.

Receiving the award, Shaibu described the recognition as a tribute to the courage, professionalism and resilience of Nigerian army personnel engaged in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the country.

He said the award reflected the effectiveness of the army’s evolving operational strategies and reinforced its position as a leading counter-terrorism force on the continent.

The army chief dedicated the award to officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty and to their families for their unwavering support.

He reaffirmed the army’s commitment to sustaining operational successes through intelligence-led operations, enhanced joint and multi-agency collaboration, rigorous training, improved personnel welfare and the acquisition of modern capabilities.

Shaibu said the army would continue its transformation into a more professional, adaptive and combat-ready force capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges while contributing to regional peace and stability.

Meanwhile the African Security Watch said that the Nigerian army earned the continental recognition for its coordinated joint operations, intelligence-driven campaigns, civil-military cooperation, force development and capacity building.

The organisation said the army’s operations had significantly weakened terrorist groups and strengthened national and regional security, making it a benchmark for counter-terrorism operations across Africa. (NAN)

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