On the sidelines of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over the weekend, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, engaged senior media executives, including Vanguard Deputy Crime Editor, Evelyn Usman, in an interactive session during which he outlined the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats. The Army Chief highlighted the force’s operational achievements across the country’s various theatres of operation, advances in force modernisation, manpower expansion, intelligence-led operations, troops’ welfare, indigenous defence production and civil-military cooperation, while reaffirming the Army’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also spoke on the adoption of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies and international partners, and community-based initiatives aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering and sustaining the fight against insecurity.
Excerpts:
How would you assess the Nigerian Army’s performance under your leadership?
I would say the Nigerian Army has made significant progress under the strategic direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Through his policy guidance, strong political will and sustained support, the President has provided the resources and enabling environment required for the Army to succeed both operationally and administratively.
