By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has pledged ₦25 million to support the emergency medical needs of military veterans, while unveiling ongoing measures to strengthen troops’ capability and improve the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Shaibu made the pledge on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when he received members of the Executive Committee of the Course 39 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) United Welfare Association (UWA), led by its President, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (Rtd), on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The COAS said the welfare of serving and retired personnel remained a priority, describing sustained engagement with veterans as an important pillar of institutional development.
He noted that the experience, professional knowledge and leadership expertise of retired officers remained valuable to the Nigerian Army, particularly in strengthening institutional memory, mentorship and continuity, as well as providing perspectives for addressing emerging security challenges.
Shaibu said the ₦25 million contribution to the association’s Emergency Health Fund reflected the Army’s enduring responsibility to personnel who had served the nation, stressing that welfare must extend beyond active military service.
On efforts to enhance troops’ operational capabilities, the Army Chief highlighted measures targeting force structure, manpower, training and modernisation.
He disclosed that the Nigerian Army had expanded to 12 divisions and integrated 28,000 recruits through regional training depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri Edda, describing the initiatives as part of efforts to improve operational reach and responsiveness across the country.
The COAS also said the Army was implementing a revised training curriculum with greater emphasis on marksmanship, physical fitness and fieldcraft to prepare troops to operate effectively in increasingly complex security environments.
He further disclosed that the Army was advancing its transition towards multi-domain operations through the integration of space, cyber and non-kinetic capabilities, alongside the development of Army aviation and unmanned aerial systems.
According to him, the initiatives are expected to enhance situational awareness, operational mobility and the Army’s responsiveness to emerging threats.
Shaibu also highlighted the institutionalisation of the Senior Executive Transition Programme, aimed at preparing retiring senior officers and their spouses for post-service life as part of broader efforts to strengthen personnel welfare throughout and beyond military service.
Earlier, Daramola congratulated Shaibu on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff and elevation to the rank of Lieutenant General.
He commended the COAS for efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s operational capabilities and expressed appreciation for the Army’s support to the association, particularly in health insurance, emergency assistance and capacity-building programmes.
Daramola assured the Army Chief that members of Course 39 remained willing to deploy their operational, technical and leadership experience through mentorship, advisory support and specialised expertise in furtherance of the Nigerian Army’s objectives and national security.
