The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has stressed the importance of advanced training and technology-driven operations to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s effectiveness.
Shaibu made the remark on Thursday at the closing of the Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week 2026 held at the Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.
This was contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Thursday in Abuja.
The army chief said modern security challenges require continuous professional training, innovation, and the deployment of advanced technology to enhance operational efficiency in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
According to him, success on the battlefield is no longer determined by equipment alone, but by the competence, discipline, and adaptability of troops.
Shaibu highlighted drone technology, combat aviation, and modern training approaches as key enablers of future military operations, noting that the Army would continue to leverage such capabilities to improve performance.
He charged troops to remain resilient, cohesive, and combat-ready in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
The statement said the week-long programme brought together serving and retired senior officers for lectures, strategic engagements, and practical demonstrations aimed at improving operational capacity.
The theme of the exercise is “Building Troops’ Resilience through Counter-Terrorism Campaigns.”
Highlights included live-fire exercises, armoured manoeuvre simulations, and a ceremonial pulling-out parade in honour of retired senior officers.
The army chief said the exercise reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustained training, modernisation, and ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the country.

