COAS Shaibu Declares Army 2025 Conference Closed, Unveils Sweeping Training Reforms, Special Forces Upgrade, Intelligence Expansion and Massive Housing Drive for Troops
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday formally declared the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 closed, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to far-reaching reforms in training, operations, intelligence capabilities and personnel welfare.
Speaking at the closing ceremony held at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, Lagos, on 18 December 2025, the Army Chief welcomed members of the media and described the conference as a critical platform for assessing the Nigerian Army’s operational and administrative performance in 2025, while consolidating strategies for the year ahead.
According to him, the conference featured robust and wide-ranging deliberations on administration, training and operations, which provided a clearer understanding of the Army’s achievements, challenges and strategic priorities going forward.
“The extensive discussions over the past few days have broadened our collective perspective on our progress and setbacks in 2025, as well as what we must aspire to achieve in the coming year,” he said.
Lt Gen Shaibu announced that, arising from the conference deliberations, the Nigerian Army would immediately begin a comprehensive reorganisation of its training, operational, administrative and logistics systems. He explained that the reforms are designed to align fully with his Command Philosophy, which aims to transform the Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
As part of the reforms, the COAS disclosed plans for a total overhaul of training curricula across all Nigerian Army schools, stressing that realistic and mission-focused training remains central to operational success. He noted that Army Headquarters, through the Department of Training, would drive mission-specific training and conduct a holistic review of training standards nationwide.
Special emphasis, he said, would be placed on the training and deployment of Special Forces and Army Aviation, alongside other critical combat enablers, to improve operational outcomes.
“In the coming year, we will implement bold but well-informed changes to our training and operational activities, including targeted interventions to strengthen the Special Forces School,” he stated.
The Army Chief noted that intelligence briefings and operational updates presented during the conference highlighted the growing complexity of Nigeria’s security environment. He said this evolving threat landscape demands enhanced capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), as well as in cyber operations.
He further observed that regional instability and global shifts in the character of warfare require the Nigerian Army to continuously learn, adapt and innovate at all levels. In this regard, Lt Gen Nam assured that the Army would continue to leverage the support of the nation’s political leadership in the procurement of critical military hardware and software, while deepening the culture of innovation and technological integration across the force.
On personnel welfare, the COAS reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the persistent challenge of accommodation shortages within the Nigerian Army. He acknowledged the progress made so far, as highlighted in presentations by the Chief of Logistics (Army), but admitted that more work remains.
To tackle the issue, he directed that all ongoing residential accommodation projects be completed promptly and allocated to personnel, while new housing projects would be initiated across barracks in all Army Divisions. As an interim measure, he said the Army would also embark on extensive renovation works in barracks nationwide.
Beyond in-service accommodation, Lt Gen Shaibu emphasised the importance of post-service housing for soldiers. He announced that he would be in Ibadan, Oyo State, the following day to commission the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Akobo Project, alongside the Post-Service Housing Development Limited Shopping Complex in Eleyele.
“Under my watch, post-service housing for our soldiers will remain a top priority, with sustained attention to the completion of all ongoing projects,” he assured.
The Army Chief commended the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) and his team for the successful organisation of the conference, as well as all participants for their dedication and robust contributions. He noted that the volume and quality of inputs recorded were unprecedented in the history of the conference, adding that he looked forward to receiving the draft summary of decisions for approval and implementation.
In his closing remarks, Lt Gen Shaibu expressed the gratitude of the Nigerian Army to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support to the service. He reaffirmed the Army’s loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief and its commitment to defending the nation and upholding the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He also invited stakeholders to the commissioning of the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme (AHOOAS) project in Ibadan and the maiden Passing Out Parade of recruits from the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, scheduled for 20 December 2025.
With these remarks, the Chief of Army Staff formally declared the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 closed, wishing all participants a safe journey to their respective destinations.
