COAS Seeks Stronger Joint Operations to Tackle Nigeria’s Security Challenges

COAS Seeks Stronger Joint Operations to Tackle Nigeria’s Security Challenges

By Our Reporter

Abuja (Core Reporters) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger joint military operations, intelligence sharing and multi-domain integration to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Shaibu said on Monday that the increasingly complex nature of modern warfare required closer collaboration among the Armed Forces and other security agencies to achieve effective operational outcomes.

The Army Chief spoke at the graduation lecture of Army War College Nigeria Course 10/2026 in Abuja, where he emphasised the need to integrate the capabilities of security agencies in responding to emerging threats.

He described the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions as a strategic initiative to strengthen territorial coverage, improve operational responsiveness and address emerging security threats across the country.

According to him, the expansion goes beyond increasing the number of formations and personnel, as it is intended to build a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively in joint and multi-agency environments.

Shaibu stressed that the effectiveness of the expanded force would depend on the integration of trained personnel, modern technology, actionable intelligence, adequate logistics and efficient command-and-control systems.

He noted that additional formations and increased manpower must translate into improved combat capability, operational flexibility and measurable security outcomes.

The COAS also urged military commanders to adopt innovative approaches to warfare by integrating intelligence, technology, information operations and combat capabilities across multiple operational domains.

He maintained that operational success must be anchored on professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law to sustain public confidence and institutional credibility.

Shaibu charged participants of Course 10/2026 to apply the strategic knowledge and leadership skills acquired during their training to practical operational challenges, particularly in strengthening inter-agency cooperation and advancing the transformation of the Nigerian Army.

Delivering the graduation lecture titled “Winning in Complex Security Environments: Reimagining the Nigerian Army Force Structure for Multi-Domain Operations,” former National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.), called for a fundamental review of military structures, doctrines and operational concepts to address emerging security threats.

Monguno highlighted the growing importance of integrating land, air, cyber and information capabilities in contemporary warfare, noting that emerging technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence and digital communication platforms, were changing the character of military operations.

He advocated sustained investment in technological innovation, intelligence integration, institutional reforms and continuous professional military education to equip commanders with the skills required to operate in increasingly complex and contested security environments.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Major General Umar Alkali, commended the COAS for supporting the institution’s efforts to develop operational-level commanders and strategic leaders.

Alkali said participants of Course 10/2026 had undergone rigorous professional training designed to strengthen their critical thinking, operational planning and leadership capabilities for contemporary military operations.

The graduation lecture forms part of activities marking the completion of Course 10/2026 and underscores the Nigerian Army’s focus on developing commanders with the intellectual capacity, technological adaptability and operational proficiency required to discharge the service’s constitutional responsibilities.