COAS Shaibu Calls for Stronger Joint Operations to Tackle Nigeria’s Security Challenges
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger joint operations, intelligence sharing and multi-domain integration among the Armed Forces and other security agencies to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Shaibu made the call on Monday, October 12, 2026, while delivering remarks at the graduation lecture of Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 10/2026 in Abuja.
He said the increasingly complex nature of modern warfare required security agencies to work together, combining their respective capabilities to achieve effective operational outcomes.
The Army Chief explained that the Nigerian Army’s expansion from eight to 12 divisions was a strategic move to improve territorial coverage, strengthen operational responsiveness and address emerging security threats across the country.
He stressed, however, that the expansion was not merely about increasing formations and personnel but about building a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively in joint and multi-agency environments.
According to him, the effectiveness of the expanded Army would depend on integrating trained personnel, modern technology, actionable intelligence, robust logistics and efficient command-and-control systems.
Shaibu urged military commanders to embrace innovative approaches by combining intelligence, technology, information operations and combat capabilities across multiple operational domains.
He also emphasised the need for professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law, noting that these principles were essential to sustaining public confidence and institutional credibility.
The COAS charged participants of Course 10/2026 to apply the strategic knowledge and leadership skills acquired during their training to improve operational effectiveness, strengthen inter-agency cooperation and support the ongoing 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 (Rtd), called for a fundamental review of military structures, doctrines and operational concepts to meet emerging security threats.
Monguno highlighted the growing importance of integrating land, air, cyber and information capabilities in modern warfare. He noted that technologies such as unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence and digital communication platforms were rapidly changing the conduct of military operations.
He advocated sustained investment in technological innovation, intelligence integration, institutional reforms and continuous professional military education to equip commanders for increasingly complex security environments.
Earlier, the Commandant of Army War College Nigeria, Major General Umar Alkali, commended the COAS for his continued support towards strengthening the institution’s capacity to develop operational-level commanders and strategic leaders.
Alkali said participants of Course 10/2026 had undergone rigorous professional training designed to improve their critical thinking, operational planning and leadership capabilities for contemporary military operations.
The graduation lecture formed part of activities marking the graduation of Army War College Nigeria Course 10/2026 and underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to developing professionally competent, technologically adaptable and operationally effective commanders capable of fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities.
The statement was issued by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, on October 12, 2026.
COAS Shaibu Calls for Stronger Joint Operations to Tackle Nigeria’s Security Challenges