The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for enhanced joint operations, intelligence sharing, and multi-domain integration to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, stressing that contemporary threats demand coordinated military action and inter-agency collaboration.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made this known on Monday, 12 October 2026, while delivering the graduation lecture for Army War College Course 10/2026 at the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), Abuja. He noted that the complex nature of modern warfare makes it imperative for the Armed Forces and other security agencies to pull their capabilities together for decisive outcomes.
Explaining the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army from 8 to 12 Divisions, the COAS described it as a strategic move to improve territorial coverage and operational response across the country. He clarified that the expansion goes beyond adding formations and personnel; its true goal is to build a professional, adaptable, and combat-ready force capable of operating effectively in a multi-agency environment.
The Army Chief maintained that the success of the expanded force relies on well-trained manpower, modern technology, actionable intelligence, robust logistics, and efficient command and control. He stressed that increased numbers must translate into superior combat capability and measurable security results.
He also tasked military commanders with adopting innovative approaches to warfare by integrating intelligence, technology, and information operations across multiple domains. According to him, operational success must be anchored on professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rule of law to sustain public trust.
The COAS urged the graduating officers of Course 10/2026 to apply the strategic knowledge and leadership skills acquired during the course to improve operational effectiveness and strengthen inter-agency cooperation.
Earlier, the guest lecturer and former National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), delivered a lecture titled *“Winning in Complex Security Environments: Reimagining the Nigerian Army Force Structure for Multi-Domain Operations.”* He called for a fundamental overhaul of military structures and doctrines to meet current realities.
Major General Monguno highlighted the importance of integrating land, air, cyber, and information capabilities, noting that emerging technologies like drones, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms are rapidly changing the face of warfare. He advocated sustained investment in technological innovation, institutional reforms, and continuous training for commanders.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Major General Umar Alkali, thanked the COAS for supporting the institution’s mandate to train operational-level commanders and strategic leaders. He noted that participants of Course 10/2026 underwent rigorous training designed to sharpen their critical thinking and operational planning.
The lecture is part of the lineup of events for the graduation of Course 10/2026, underlining the Army’s commitment to producing technologically adaptable and operationally proficient commanders.
