The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Army will continue to provide better security in the country, which will further foster national development. He stated that the army is committed to using indigenous innovations to fight insurgency and other violent crimes.
2026 Combat Support Arms Training Week
The COAS spoke after declaring open the 2026 Combat Support Arms Training Week held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, with the theme “Strengthening Combat Support Arms Adaptability and Resilience through Indigenous Innovations for Integrated Operational Support within a Joint and Multi-Agency Framework.” He charged the Combat Support Arms to sustain efforts aimed at building a self-reliant, capable, and mission-focused force capable of effectively addressing contemporary security challenges.
Representation and Key Messages
The COAS, represented by the Chief of Personnel Management, Major General Adewale Adekeye, said the training will harness talents already acquired by the Nigerian Army towards innovation, adaptation, and improving the overall effectiveness of the Army. The army chief thanked President Bola Tinubu for being strategically committed to the provision of logistics and promotion of personnel welfare.
The COAS commended the Combat Support Arms for significant progress recorded in innovation, research, practical problem-solving, and the domestication of relevant technologies. He noted that such initiatives reflect the Nigerian Army’s determination to strengthen operational effectiveness through indigenous capabilities and sustainable solutions tailored to the nation’s security realities.
Alignment with Command Philosophy
The COAS emphasized that the theme of the 2026 Combat Support Arms Training aligns with his Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force. He urged participants to generate practical and solution-oriented outcomes capable of enhancing ongoing and future military operations.
Chief of Military Intelligence Speaks
Speaking on the 2026 Combat Support Arms Training Week, the Chief of Military Intelligence (Army), Major General Risku Hedima, said the annual training programme is meant to bring all the combat support arms together to review operations and look at ways of improving support for the combat arms for effective operations and mission success. Hedima stated that the forum engages in brainstorming, sharing of ideas, and evaluation of combat support arms processes to conduct operations better.
Hedima revealed that over the years, the Combat Support Arms Trainings have strengthened security, allowed for better output, helped neutralize more bandits and terrorists, led to freedom for more kidnapped victims, and reduced the statistics of attacks upon troops and casualties recorded. He disclosed that decisions and recommendations from the event will lead to operational successes and better outcomes, as well as effective operations that will further secure the nation to allow citizens to go about their lawful businesses that enable growth and development.
Akwa Ibom Governor's Remarks
On his part, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who was represented by Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd), lauded the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
Exhibition and Display
The event featured a Research and Development Exhibition and Static Display showcasing innovative technologies and capabilities developed by the Combat Support Arms.
