By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the imperative of enhanced joint operations, intelligence sharing and multi-domain integration in confronting Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The COAS made the assertion on Monday, 12 October 2026, during the graduation lecture of Army War College Course 10/2026 at the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), Abuja.
He said contemporary threats demand coordinated military capabilities and sustained collaboration among security agencies, stressing that the increasingly complex and interconnected nature of modern warfare makes it imperative for the Armed Forces and other security agencies to operate in synergy.
Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army from 8 to 12 Divisions represents a strategic repositioning of the force to address emerging threats, strengthen territorial coverage and enhance operational responsiveness.
He emphasised that the expansion goes beyond increasing formations and personnel, noting that its ultimate objective is to build a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient Army capable of responding decisively to threats within a joint and multi-agency environment.
According to him, the effectiveness of the expanded force would depend largely on the integration of trained manpower, modern technology, actionable intelligence, robust logistics and efficient command and control systems.
He stressed that numerical strength and additional formations must translate into superior combat capability, operational flexibility and measurable security outcomes.
The Army Chief further charged military commanders to embrace innovative approaches to warfare by effectively integrating intelligence, technology, information operations and combat capabilities across multiple domains, adding that operational success must be anchored on professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law.
He urged participants of Course 10/2026 to translate the strategic knowledge and leadership competencies acquired during their training into practical solutions that would enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen inter-agency cooperation and advance 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), emphasised the need for a fundamental reorientation of military structures, doctrines and operational concepts to effectively confront emerging threats.
Monguno highlighted the growing significance of integrating land, air, cyber and information capabilities in modern warfare, noting that emerging technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence and digital communication platforms, are rapidly transforming 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 competencies required to operate effectively in complex and contested environments.
Earlier, the Commandant, Army War College Nigeria, Major General Umar Alkali, expressed appreciation to the COAS for his support towards strengthening the College’s capacity to develop operational-level commanders and strategic leaders.
He noted that participants of Course 10/2026 had undergone rigorous professional training designed to sharpen their critical thinking, operational planning and leadership capabilities for contemporary military operations.
The graduation lecture forms part of activities marking the graduation of participants of Army War College Course 10/2026 and reinforces the Nigerian Army’s commitment to developing intellectually equipped, technologically adaptable and operationally proficient commanders.
