The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for enhanced joint operations, intelligence sharing and multi-domain integration to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges as the Nigerian Army expands from eight to 12 divisions.
The Army Chief made the call on Monday, 12 October 2026, during the graduation lecture of Army War College Course 10/2026 at the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), Abuja.
A statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Apolonia Anele, stressed that the complex and interconnected nature of contemporary warfare requires closer collaboration among the Armed Forces and other security agencies to achieve operational success.
Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that the expansion of the Nigerian Army to 12 divisions is aimed at strengthening territorial coverage, improving operational responsiveness and enhancing the force’s capacity to address emerging security threats.
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He emphasised that the expansion goes beyond increasing formations and personnel, noting that its objective is to build a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient Army capable of operating effectively in joint and multi-agency environments.
The COAS further stressed that the effectiveness of the expanded force would depend on the integration of trained personnel, modern technology, actionable intelligence, robust logistics and efficient command-and-control systems.
He urged military commanders to embrace innovative approaches to warfare by integrating intelligence, technology, information operations and combat capabilities across multiple domains.
He also emphasised the importance of professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law in sustaining public confidence and institutional credibility.
The Army Chief charged participants of Course 10/2026 to apply the strategic knowledge and leadership competencies acquired during their training to improve operational effectiveness, strengthen inter-agency cooperation and advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army.
Delivering the graduation lecture titled “Winning in Complex Security Environments: Reimagining the Nigerian Army Force Structure for Multi-Domain Operations,” former National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), called for a fundamental reorientation of military structures, doctrines and operational concepts to address emerging security threats.
Major General Monguno highlighted the growing importance of integrating land, air, cyber and information capabilities in modern warfare.
He noted that emerging technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence and digital communication platforms, were rapidly transforming military operations.
COAS advocated sustained investment in technological innovation, intelligence integration, institutional reforms and continuous professional military education to equip commanders with the competencies required to operate effectively in complex and contested security environments.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Major General Umar Alkali, thanked the COAS for his support towards strengthening the College’s capacity to develop operational-level commanders and strategic leaders.
He stated that participants of Course 10/2026 had undergone rigorous professional training designed to enhance their critical thinking, operational planning and leadership capabilities.
