Army training overhaul announced as COAS unveils curriculum reforms to build a more professional and combat-ready force
The Nigerian Army will overhaul its training systems and school curricula as part of a bold drive to build a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready force, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said.
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Shaibu announced the reforms at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference held in Lagos.
He said the overhaul would begin next year and would be mission-focused and aligned with the Army’s evolving operational environment.
The Chief of Army Staff said special attention would be given to the training and employment of Special Forces and Army Aviation.
He disclosed that the Army would implement deliberate interventions to strengthen the Special Forces School.
Shaibu said intelligence briefings presented during the conference showed that Nigeria’s security environment was becoming increasingly complex.
He said the changing threat landscape demands stronger capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance and cyber operations.
According to him, the Army training overhaul will be holistic and driven by the Army Headquarters through the Department of Training.
Shaibu stressed that realistic and targeted training remains critical to improved operational outcomes.
He said regional instability and global changes in warfare require continuous learning, adaptation and innovation.
The Army chief said the service would continue to integrate technology into its operations while leveraging government support for critical military equipment.
Beyond operations, Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to personnel welfare.
He identified accommodation shortages across barracks nationwide as a pressing concern.
The Chief of Army Staff directed that all ongoing residential projects be completed and allocated without delay.
He said new housing projects would also be initiated across Army divisions.
As an interim measure, Shaibu said extensive renovation works would be carried out in barracks to ease current housing pressures.
He also reiterated the Army’s focus on post-service housing, describing it as a key welfare priority.
Shaibu said the outcomes of the annual conference would be compiled and circulated to guide implementation in the coming year.
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He added that the deliberations would shape the Army’s policies and strategies going forward.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
