By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has emphasised that advanced training and technology-driven operations remain critical to the operational success of the Nigerian Army in tackling contemporary security threats and modern warfare challenges.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS stated this on Thursday, 7 May 2026, during the closing ceremony of the Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week 2026 held at the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State.
The statement noted that the week-long programme brought together serving and retired senior military officers for strategic engagements, lectures and practical demonstrations aimed at strengthening the Army’s capacity in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.
The event, themed “Building Troops’ Resilience Through Counter Terrorism Campaigns,” featured presentations by seasoned resource persons and retired generals, with discussions focusing on emerging threats, contemporary warfare dynamics, innovation, adaptability and continuous professional development.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged troops to remain resilient, cohesive and combat-ready in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, stressing that while modern military hardware is important, success on the battlefield largely depends on disciplined, highly trained and adaptive personnel.
The COAS further highlighted the integration of drone warfare, combat aviation and advanced training methodologies as critical force multipliers capable of enhancing future military operations across the country.
He assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to leverage modern technology to improve operational effectiveness and sustain momentum in ongoing counterterrorism campaigns nationwide.
In his remarks, the Commander Infantry Corps, Major General Godwin Mutkut, commended the COAS for what he described as purposeful leadership that has significantly improved troop welfare and enhanced operational efficiency within the Nigerian Army.
The training week also featured live firepower demonstrations involving various calibres of weapons, armoured vehicles and advanced combat platforms, alongside combined Infantry and Armour manoeuvre simulations conducted in a realistic combat environment.
A symbolic Pulling Out Ceremony was also held in honour of distinguished retired Infantry generals in recognition of their service and contributions to the Nigerian Army.
The statement added that Combat Arms Training Week 2026 reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to strengthening professional capacity through advanced training and the integration of modern technologies into military operations.
