Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Army has received continental recognition after being named Africa's Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch, a continental security organisation that cited the Army's operational achievements, strategic leadership and sustained campaign against terrorist networks across Nigeria. The prestigious award was formally presented to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Major General Teriworie Gagariga, who had earlier received the honour on behalf of the Nigerian Army at the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony held in Banjul, The Gambia, made the formal presentation to the Chief of Army Staff. The recognition was based on the Nigerian Army's achievements in coordinated joint operations, intelligence-driven campaigns, civil-military cooperation, force development and capacity building. African Security Watch noted that the Army's efforts have significantly weakened terrorist networks while contributing to improved national and regional security.
Receiving the award, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the recognition as a tribute to the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of Nigerian Army personnel working to protect the country. He said the honour reflects the commitment of officers and soldiers who continue to confront security threats across the nation. “The award validates the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army's evolving counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategy and reinforces its position as a continental model for addressing complex security challenges,” Shaibu said.
The Army chief dedicated the award to officers and soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as to their families for their unwavering support. He said their sacrifices remain a source of inspiration for the military's efforts to secure Nigeria and promote peace. Shaibu reaffirmed the Army's commitment to sustaining its operational gains through intelligence-led operations, improved training, stronger collaboration with other security agencies and enhanced welfare for personnel.
He pledged that the Nigerian Army would continue its transformation into a more professional, adaptive and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to emerging security challenges. “The Nigerian Army will continue to advance its transformation into a more professional, adaptive, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively addressing Nigeria's evolving security challenges while making meaningful contributions to regional peace and security,” he said.
According to African Security Watch, the Nigerian Army earned the recognition based on its remarkable achievements in coordinated joint operations, intelligence-driven campaigns, effective civil-military cooperation, force development and capacity building, all of which have significantly weakened terrorist organisations and enhanced national and regional security. The organisation further observed that the Nigerian Army has established itself as a benchmark for professional excellence and operational effectiveness in counter-terrorism across Africa.
The recognition further highlights the Nigerian Army's growing role in regional security operations and its contribution to efforts aimed at combating terrorism and violent extremism across Africa. The honour comes at a time when the Nigerian Army is undergoing a major transformation, with President Bola Tinubu recently approving the expansion of the Army from eight to twelve divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture. The award also underscores the Army's emergence as Africa's leading force in Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Operations, reflecting years of sustained, intelligence-driven operations that have significantly degraded terrorist networks and restored security to affected communities.
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