By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to the welfare of serving and retired personnel, while advancing ongoing reforms aimed at building a more professional, adaptable, technologically enabled and combat-ready force.
This was contained in a statement by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations on 17 September 2026.
The COAS stated this on Thursday, 17 September 2026, when he received members of the Executive Committee of the Course 39 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) United Welfare Association (UWA), led by its President, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (Rtd), on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described sustained engagement with retired officers and veterans as an important pillar of institutional development, noting that their wealth of operational experience, professional knowledge and leadership expertise remains valuable.
He added that such engagements strengthen institutional memory, mentorship and continuity while providing useful perspectives for addressing contemporary security challenges.
Underscoring the Army’s commitment to welfare beyond active service, the COAS pledged ₦25 million to the association’s Emergency Health Fund to support the medical needs of its members. He stressed that caring for those who have served the nation remains an enduring responsibility.
The Army Chief also highlighted ongoing initiatives to strengthen force structure and operational capabilities:
– Expansion of the Army to 12 divisions
– *Integration of 28,000 recruits through regional training depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri Edda to enhance operational reach
– Revised training curriculum with greater emphasis on marksmanship, physical fitness and fieldcraft
– Transition to multi-domain operations through integration of space, cyber and non-kinetic capabilities, alongside development of Army aviation and unmanned aerial systems to enhance situational awareness and mobility
– Institutionalisation of the Senior Executive Transition Programme to prepare retiring senior officers and their spouses for post-service life
Earlier, President of the Course 39 NDA UWA, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (Rtd), congratulated Lt. Gen. Shaibu on his appointment and elevation to the rank of Lieutenant General. He commended efforts to strengthen the Army’s force structure and appreciated Army support in health insurance, emergency assistance and capacity-building.
He assured that members of Course 39 remain willing to contribute their operational, technical and leadership experience through mentorship and advisory support in furtherance of national security.
