…President tasks Army on professionalism, apolitical posture
…Sanwo-Olu, Musa, service chiefs, military icons attend COAS conference in Lagos
President Bola Tinubu on Monday vowed to deploy all military and security assets against terrorism, banditry and other heinous crimes threatening the peace of the country.
He made the promise at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) annual conference held in Lagos.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, reassured of his government’s commitment to restore the country’s pride.
“We are primarily committed to the modernisation of the armed forces through improved training, modern equipment, and enhanced operational capacity to confront evolving threats.
He revealed that plans to acquire more mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, armored vehicles, and patrol vehicles were underway, adding that over 100 armoured fighting vehicles have been refurbished and returned to active service.
“These efforts reflect our clear commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness,” he said.
According to the President, the government was deepening partnerships with friendly nations to expand research, innovation and indigenous production aimed at ensuring a new reliance in defense and security.
Commending the military on the gains recorded in anti-terror war, Tinubu said, “The positive reports emerging from the various theaters of operations are encouraging and stand as testimony to your courage, resilience, and professionalism.
“The gains recorded through joint operations with sister services and other security agencies further underscore the power of unity of purpose in our collective resolve to safeguard the nation.
“The Nigerian Army must continue to uphold its apolitical posture and operate strictly within the framework of the constitution and the national security strategy,” he said.
Tinubu also praised the Army’s civil-military cooperation initiatives across the country, noting that it was a testament of the service’s understanding that security is also about winning hearts, restoring dignity, and improving the people’s quality of life.
He said that his administration would continue to provide the motivation, support, and resources required for the Nigerian Army to excel in its noble duty of defending the country’s territorial integrity.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noted the relationship between security and development, applauding the Army for preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity and safeguarding national unity.
“Today’s Nigerian Army operates in an era defined by complex and evolving threats -terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational crime and other non-traditional security challenges.
Addressing these threats requires intelligence-led operations, adaptability and robust inter-agency cooperation.
“Encouragingly, the Nigerian Army has continued to evolve in response to these realities. I have observed with pride the ongoing restructuring and modernisation of the Army, the introduction of new platforms, improved training doctrines and a renewed emphasis on professionalism. These efforts clearly reflect an institution that is deliberately repositioning itself to meet the demands of a modern, constitutionally guided force” he said, appreciating 81 Division of the Nigerian Army for contributing to the peace being enjoyed in Lagos.
Minister for Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd) said the operational capacity of terrorist groups has been significantly degraded across multiple theatres, adding that the gains reflected the courage of troops, improved planning and execution, as well as the growing impact of coordinated operations conducted within a joint and multi-agency framework.
Musa said that the conference remained a vital strategic forum for the Nigerian Army to review its operational posture, assess its readiness and professionalism, and align its future direction with national security priorities.
“The importance of this conference cannot be overstated, particularly in light of the complex and evolving security environment confronting our nation. Nigeria continues to face a combination of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational crime and other asymmetric threats that demand sustained strategic focus, clarity of purpose and adaptive leadership.
“Accordingly, the Ministry of Defence will continue to provide strategic direction, policy support and capability development to ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain professional, responsive and future‑ready.
“The ministry will also strengthen institutional frameworks that promote accountability and effectiveness,” he said.
Musa commended the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu for his vast operational experience, particularly in the North-East, and for the leadership he continued to provide.
“However, experience alone is not enough; we must continually ask ourselves what more can be done differently to decisively defeat enemies of the state.
“We must evolve new strategies and remain proactive, innovative and resolute,” the minister said.
The COAS, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu said the conference provided an invaluable platform for strategic reflection, robust engagement and the exchange of ideas on how best to strengthen civil-military cooperation.
“The gathering will also help deepen inter-agency collaboration and enhance our collective response to security challenges confronting our nation,” he said.
Shaibu said that the Nigerian Army was deliberately transforming into a more professional, adaptive and technology-driven force, capable of effectively addressing both conventional and asymmetric threats.
“Each officer and soldier of the army is a critical stakeholder in this transformation. I am confident that, within a short period, Nigerians will increasingly feel the positive impact of these reforms on national security and stability.
“Therefore, I urge us to remain guided by patriotism, professionalism and a shared commitment to the peace, progress and prosperity of our dear country,” he said.
The COAS thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the welfare, professionalism and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Shaibu said that Tinubu’s sustained support especially in the areas of personnel welfare, equipment modernisation, training and institutional reforms had significantly strengthened their capacity to respond to contemporary and emerging security challenges.
Highpoints of the event were the unveiling of a book on the life of service of the late COAS, Lieutenant-General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, and the handing over of cheques to five families of deceased soldiers.
The conference brought together serving and retired service chiefs including Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; former COAS, Gen Ipoola Akinrinade and Gen Azubuike Ihejirika; ex-Minister, Gen Ike Nwachukwu; former CDS Alexander Ogomudia, Gabriel Olonisakin and Lucky Irabor; Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh; Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, among others senior officers.
