The Nigerian Army’s sustained counterterrorism campaign has received continental recognition following the awarding of the Nigerian Army as Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch.
The award reinforced Nigeria’s growing influence in regional security and its evolving role as a reference point for counter-insurgency operations across the continent.
A statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed that the award was formally presented to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja after it was earlier received on behalf of the Nigerian Army during the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony in Banjul, The Gambia.
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The statement said the recognition reflects years of intelligence-driven operations, institutional reforms and operational successes against terrorism and violent extremism.
Receiving the award, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the honour as recognition of the courage, professionalism and resilience of Nigerian Army personnel who continue to defend the country’s sovereignty under challenging operational conditions.
He noted that the recognition validates the effectiveness of the Army’s evolving Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency (CTCOIN) strategy and strengthens its standing as a continental model for confronting complex security threats.
The COAS dedicated the award to officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation, as well as to their families, describing their commitment as the foundation of the Nigerian Army’s operational achievements and continued determination to preserve peace and national security.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to consolidating recent operational gains through intelligence-led operations, enhanced joint and multi-agency collaboration, continuous training, improved troop welfare and the acquisition of modern capabilities required to confront Nigeria’s evolving security environment.
According to African Security Watch, the Nigerian Army earned the continental honour for its performance in coordinated joint operations, intelligence-driven campaigns, civil-military cooperation, force development and institutional capacity building, all of which have significantly weakened terrorist organisations while strengthening national and regional security.
The organisation further described the Nigerian Army as a benchmark for operational excellence and professionalism in counterterrorism across Africa.
