Success in Battlespace Depends On Well-Trained, Adaptive Personnel – COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said that while modern equipment remains essential, success in today’s battlespace depends largely on well-trained, disciplined and adaptive personnel.

He underscored the critical role of advanced training and technology-driven operations in enhancing the Nigerian Army’s effectiveness in modern warfare.

He spoke on Thursday, 7 May 2026, during the closing ceremony of the Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week 2026 held at the Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna. A statement by Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the week-long programme brought together serving and retired senior officers for strategic engagements, lectures, and practical demonstrations aimed at strengthening the Army’s capacity in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.

According to her, the event also highlighted the importance of innovation, adaptability and continuous professional development in addressing evolving security challenges.

She noted that the event with the theme, “Building Troops’ Resilience through Counter Terrorism Campaigns,” featured presentations by seasoned resource persons and retired generals, adding that discussions centred on emerging threats, contemporary warfare dynamics and the need to build resilient, highly skilled forces capable of operating effectively in complex combat environments.

The COAS charged troops to remain resilient, cohesive and combat-ready in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

The Army Chief further highlighted the integration of drone warfare, combat aviation and advanced training methodologies as critical force multipliers for future operations, noting that the Nigerian Army will continue to leverage technology to enhance operational effectiveness.

In his remarks, the Commander of the Infantry Corps, Major General Godwin Mutkut, commended the COAS for his purposeful leadership, noting that it has significantly improved troop welfare and strengthened operational efficiency across the Nigerian Army.

The training week featured demonstrations of live firepower from the Combat Arms of the Nigerian Army, showcasing various calibres of weapons, armoured vehicles, and advanced combat platforms, as well as a combined Infantry and Armour manoeuvre simulation in a realistic combat environment.

The event also featured a symbolic Pulling Out Ceremony in honour of distinguished retired Infantry generals.

The Combat Arms Training Week 2026 reaffirmed the   Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening professional capacity through advanced training, integrating modern technologies into operations, and sustaining momentum in ongoing counterterrorism campaigns nationwide.