ABUJA — The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of serving and retired personnel, even as the service intensifies reforms to build a more professional, adaptable and technologically enabled fighting force.
Shaibu made the commitment on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when he received 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), during a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.
According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the COAS described sustained engagement with retired officers and veterans as an important pillar of institutional development.
He said the experience, professional knowledge and leadership expertise of retired personnel remained valuable to the Nigerian Army, particularly in strengthening institutional memory, mentorship and continuity.
Shaibu also pledged support to the association’s Emergency Health Fund to assist members with medical needs.
The Army Chief said caring for personnel who had served the nation remained an enduring responsibility and a key component of the Army’s welfare policy.
On ongoing reforms, Shaibu disclosed that the Nigerian Army had expanded to 12 divisions, while 28,000 recruits had been integrated through regional training depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri Edda.
He said the initiatives were aimed at improving the Army’s operational reach and responsiveness across the country.
The COAS further disclosed that the Army was implementing a revised training curriculum with increased emphasis on marksmanship, physical fitness and fieldcraft to prepare troops for increasingly complex security environments.
He added that the Army was transitioning towards multi-domain operations, incorporating space, cyber and non-kinetic capabilities alongside the development of Army aviation and unmanned aerial systems.
According to him, the initiatives are designed to improve situational awareness, operational mobility and the Army’s ability to respond to emerging threats.
Shaibu also highlighted the institutionalisation of the Senior Executive Transition Programme, which is designed to prepare retiring senior officers and their spouses for life after military service.
He described the programme as part of broader efforts to strengthen personnel welfare throughout and beyond active military service.
Earlier, Daramola congratulated Shaibu on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff and his elevation to the rank of Lieutenant General.
The retired Air Vice Marshal commended the COAS for efforts to strengthen the Army’s force structure and operational capabilities, while appreciating the service for its support to the association, particularly in health insurance, emergency assistance and capacity-building programmes.
Daramola also assured the COAS that members of Course 39 remained willing to contribute their operational, technical and leadership experience through mentorship, advisory support and specialised expertise in support of the Nigerian Army’s objectives and national security.
