The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Army will record enhanced operational effectiveness in tackling crime and other security threats nationwide in 2026.
The assurance was given on Saturday, 7 February 2026, during the West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025 of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps (NAFC), held at the Headquarters Command Finance Office Football Field, Arakan Cantonment, Apapa, Lagos.
Represented at the event by the Commander Corps of Signals, Major General MT Abdullahi, the COAS disclosed that the Nigerian Army is expected to take delivery of additional helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, and other critical combat enablers in 2026. According to him, the new acquisitions will further strengthen the Army’s capacity to respond effectively to security challenges across the country.
Lieutenant General NAM explained that the planned upgrades align with his Command Philosophy, which is focused on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force.
He commended the Nigerian Army Finance Corps for its critical role in sustaining the Army’s financial architecture despite prevailing resource constraints. The COAS also expressed appreciation to officers, soldiers, wives, and families for their resilience and unwavering support to the service.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), Major General TT Siddick, described WASA as both a thanksgiving and sociocultural event. He rated the performance of the Finance Corps at 99.9 per cent successful, highlighting achievements such as the timely payment of salaries, allowances, and operational allowances to troops deployed on the frontlines.
The event was marked by colourful cultural displays, comedy performances, tug-of-war competitions, and the presentation of Best Soldier Awards. It attracted senior military officers, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, and other government functionaries.
