Nigerian Army named Africa’s best national force in counter-terrorism operations

Nigerian Army named Africa’s best national force in counter-terrorism operations

The Nigerian Army has been recognised as Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch, following its sustained efforts against terrorism, insurgency and violent extremism across Nigeria.

The continental security organisation said the recognition was based on the Nigerian Army’s achievements in counter-terrorism operations, including intelligence-driven campaigns, coordinated military operations, civil-military cooperation, force development and capacity-building initiatives.

The award was formally presented to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

The recognition had earlier been received on behalf of the Nigerian Army by Major General Teriworie Gagariga during the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony held in Banjul, The Gambia.

Receiving the award, Shaibu described the honour as a tribute to the courage, professionalism and resilience of Nigerian Army personnel deployed across different operational theatres.

He said the recognition reflected the effectiveness of the Army’s evolving strategies in combating terrorism and insurgency while strengthening national and regional security.

“This recognition is a tribute to the courage, professionalism and resilience of Nigerian Army personnel engaged in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the country,” the Chief of Army Staff said.

Shaibu dedicated the award to officers and soldiers who lost their lives while defending Nigeria, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices would continue to be remembered.

He also commended the families of fallen personnel and serving troops for their support and resilience despite the risks and demands associated with military service.

The Army chief said the recognition would encourage the Nigerian Army to sustain its operations against Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), armed bandit groups, kidnappers and other criminal networks.

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He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to improving operational effectiveness through intelligence-led operations, stronger collaboration with other security agencies, continuous training, improved personnel welfare and the acquisition of modern military equipment.

Shaibu added that the Nigerian Army would continue its transformation into a more professional, adaptive and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

According to African Security Watch, the Nigerian Army distinguished itself through coordinated joint operations, intelligence-based campaigns and initiatives designed to strengthen cooperation between military personnel and local communities.

The organisation said the Army’s operations had contributed to weakening terrorist networks, improving security in affected communities and strengthening Nigeria’s role in regional counter-terrorism efforts.

The recognition comes as the Federal Government moves to expand the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army in response to persistent security challenges across the country.

President Bola Tinubu recently approved an increase in the Army’s operational structure from eight to 12 divisions, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel.

The expansion is expected to improve troop deployment, strengthen military presence across the country and enhance the ability of the Armed Forces to respond more quickly to security threats.

Under the restructuring plan, the new divisions are expected to bring military formations closer to areas that currently depend on neighbouring commands for operational support.

The first phase of the expansion, involving the establishment of the 5 Division, 9 Division and 10 Division, alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026.

The second phase, which includes the establishment of the 83 Division in Benin City and further restructuring, is projected for completion by December 2026.

The recruitment of additional personnel is also expected to strengthen ongoing military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities.

The recognition is expected to boost the morale of Nigerian troops serving in different parts of the country and reinforce the Army’s commitment to protecting communities and supporting national security.

Despite the continental recognition, the Nigerian Army continues to face complex security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnappings in parts of the North-West, communal violence in the North-Central and other emerging threats.

Military authorities have maintained that sustained intelligence gathering, modern equipment, improved troop welfare, stronger inter-agency cooperation and community support remain important to achieving lasting peace and security.

Nigerian Army named Africa’s best national force in counter-terrorism operations