The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu has reaffirmed Nigerian Army’s resolve to decisively tackle terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats with renewed vigour.
Shaibu stated this at the 75th Army Headquarters Departments and Commands West African Social Activities, WASA, marking the end of the 2025 training year in Abuja.
He described the army as a professional, adaptable, and combat-ready force committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s peace, stability, and strategic interests.
The COAS highlighted the invaluable sacrifices of personnel deployed across operational theatres nationwide.
“Our soldiers have consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment in the fight against terrorism and internal security threats.
“Peace and security are vital for meaningful development in our beloved country, and we will continue to act decisively wherever our nation requires,” he said.
Shuaibu emphasised that operational readiness goes hand-in-hand with welfare, noting deliberate policies and structures to ensure troops remain motivated and mission-focused while their families are adequately supported.
According to him, a motivated soldier is a force multiplier. That is why the Soldier-First Culture under my Command Philosophy is central to every initiative we undertake.
Shaibu also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support, reaffirmed loyalty to the Constitution, and commended the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, and other Service Chiefs for their guidance and cooperation.
“Events like WASA not only celebrate our achievements but also strengthen bonds across units and families, motivating our personnel to continue serving with dedication and professionalism,” the COAS added.
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa said the Nigerian Army represents the very identity of Nigeria, describing it as a living symbol of the nation’s unity in diversity.
Musa, represented at the event by his Special Assistant on Special Duties, retired Maj.-Gen. Henry Wesley at WASA, said the army remained the institution where Nigeria’s ethnic, cultural and religious diversity was most visibly reflected and harmonised.
“The Nigerian Army is a microcosm of the Nigerian state. There is hardly any institution where the cultures and traditions of our people are as widely represented,” he said.
Musa said that the annual WASA celebration was a deliberate platform to recognise and celebrate the shared heritage of personnel, adding that such initiatives had strengthened unity, fostered cohesion and deepened national identity within the ranks.
He extended heartfelt greetings to the troops deployed across various operational theatres, assuring them that their sacrifices were deeply valued and appreciated by the nation.
Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Maxwell Dangana, highlighted the operational significance of WASA, saying it provides a platform to reflect on the army’s achievements over the preceding year.
According to him, the Army Headquarters Departments and Commands recorded a successful 2025 operational year, providing critical support to ongoing counterterrorism and internal security operations despite challenging circumstances.
Dangana further emphasised the army’s collaborative approach with sister services and security agencies, adding that operational successes were the result of close coordination with the Navy, Air Force, paramilitary organisations, and intelligence agencies.
He added that Joint and multi-agency operations remained vital to ensuring that security threats were addressed decisively.
“We have put in place training, welfare, and logistical initiatives that ensure our troops are not only combat-ready but also resilient and adaptable.
“Our families’ welfare remains a priority, as they are the backbone of our operational effectiveness,” he added.
The colourful WASA event combined cultural performances, traditional dances, and artistic displays with operational reflections, reinforcing morale, cohesion, and the army’s image as a microcosm of Nigeria’s unity in diversity.
NAN
