The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture as the Minister of Defence on Monday declared open the 2025 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference, urging senior military commanders to translate strategy into concrete action against terrorism, banditry and other emerging threats.
Speaking at the ongoing Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference, the minister described the conference as a critical strategic platform, which provides the Nigerian Army with an opportunity to review its operational posture, assess readiness and professionalism, and align future actions with national security priorities.
“This annual engagement remains a vital forum for the Nigerian Army to reflect on lessons learned from ongoing operations, examine emerging threats and develop practical responses to strengthen its constitutional responsibilities,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria continues to confront a complex and evolving security environment marked by terrorism, banditry, criminality and other asymmetric threats, stressing that addressing these challenges requires sustained focus, strategic clarity and adaptive leadership.
According to him, recent gains recorded across multiple theatres of operation show that the operational capacity of terrorist groups and criminal networks has been significantly degraded, attributing the progress to the courage of troops, improved planning and enhanced joint and multi‑agency cooperation.
“There is no single service or individual that can achieve success alone. Security today demands unity of effort, jointness and inter‑service cooperation, which are no longer optional but fundamental to effective national defence,” he said.
The minister emphasised that the Armed Forces must continue to operate as an integrated force, supported by strong intelligence sharing, coordinated planning and close collaboration with other security agencies to prevent the resurgence of insecurity in previously stabilised areas.
He paid tribute to fallen officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation, while also recognising wounded personnel and their families who bear the enduring cost of service. Special mention was made of former Chief of Army Staff, late Lt‑Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, as well as recently deceased senior officers, including Brig‑Gen Uba.
“The welfare, medical care and long‑term support of our wounded personnel and families of the fallen remain a sacred obligation that must be upheld without compromise,” he said.
Reaffirming that security remains a central pillar of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister assured that the Ministry of Defence would continue to provide strategic direction, policy support and capability development to ensure a professional, responsive and future‑ready Armed Forces.
He also praised the Chief of Army Staff for his extensive operational experience in the North‑East, describing it as an asset in the ongoing fight against insecurity.
Urging participants to move beyond discussions, the minister challenged senior commanders to ensure that recommendations from the conference translate into measurable operational outcomes.
“It is not enough to talk. Strategic discussions must lead to concrete actions that improve leadership, enhance coordination and sustain pressure on all threats to national security,” he said.
The conference, attended by senior military officers, retired service chiefs, government officials and other stakeholders, is expected to shape the Nigerian Army’s operational direction for 2026 and beyond.
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