In a significant address at the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos, the Federal Government, through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has pledged a renewed and comprehensive commitment to the Nigerian Army. This promise, delivered by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, extends beyond rhetoric to outline a tangible, multi-faceted strategy focused on modernization, operational readiness, and the critical welfare of personnel. The declaration underscores a recognition that national development is inextricably linked to security—a foundational principle for any state aspiring to stability and prosperity.
The conference theme, “Examining the Current Landscape of Terrorism through Diplomatic and Military Lenses: Strategy for Long-term Prevention and Stabilization,” is itself a telling evolution in strategic thinking. It moves the discourse from reactive, kinetic responses to a more holistic framework. This acknowledges that military might alone cannot eradicate complex, asymmetric threats like terrorism and insurgency. A long-term solution requires a “whole-of-society” approach, integrating intelligence, community engagement, economic development, and deft diplomacy to address the root causes of instability, such as poverty, governance gaps, and ideological extremism.
President Tinubu’s speech provided concrete examples of the ongoing modernization drive, which signal a shift towards enhancing the Army’s mobility, protection, and aerial capabilities:
- Army Aviation Induction: The establishment of a Nigerian Army Aviation wing with new helicopters is a game-changer. It promises faster deployment, improved medical evacuation, enhanced reconnaissance, and close air support for ground troops—crucial for operations in Nigeria’s vast and often difficult terrain.
- Vehicle Procurement: The acquisition of Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles directly addresses the persistent threat of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), which have caused significant casualties. The refurbishment of over 100 armored fighting vehicles also represents a cost-effective strategy to revitalize existing assets, extending their service life and combat effectiveness.
However, hardware is only one pillar of military power. The President’s emphasis on personnel welfare is arguably its most critical counterpart. Modern equipment is useless without a motivated, well-trained, and physically resilient soldier. Welfare encompasses far more than salary; it includes quality housing for families, comprehensive healthcare (including mental health support for trauma), reliable insurance, educational opportunities for soldiers’ children, and a dignified post-service life. Investing in welfare is a direct investment in unit cohesion, morale, and retention of experienced personnel, which are intangible yet decisive factors on the battlefield.
The call for “frank and constructive discussions” at the conference is a vital component of this process. For strategy to be effective, it must be grounded in the realistic assessments of field commanders who understand the evolving tactics of adversaries. This bottom-up flow of information is essential for crafting policies that are not just theoretically sound but practically executable.
In conclusion, the Federal Government’s pledges at the COAS Conference 2025 outline a necessary and ambitious roadmap. The true measure of success, however, will lie in the consistent implementation, sustained funding, and strategic patience required to see it through. Modernizing a military is a decade-long endeavor, not a single budget cycle. By coupling advanced equipment with a profound commitment to its human capital and a broader, integrated security strategy, Nigeria can build an army that is not just a formidable reactive force, but a proactive pillar of a stable and secure nation.