The Nigerian Army has unveiled plans for a wide-ranging overhaul of its training systems, school curricula and special forces capabilities as part of efforts to build a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready force in response to a complex security environment. The announcement was made by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu during the closing session of the 2025 Army Annual Conference in Lagos.
The reforms will begin in 2026 and include revised training curricula across all Army training institutions to ensure mission-focused instruction aligned with evolving threats on the ground. A key component of the overhaul is a renewed emphasis on strengthening the Special Forces School and enhancing training for Army Aviation units, with the aim of improving operational effectiveness.
Officials say the decision reflects intelligence updates presented at the conference showing that Nigeria’s security landscape is becoming increasingly complex, requiring sharper capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition and cyber operations. By aligning training with real-world threats, commanders hope to improve responsiveness and adaptability of troops during joint and multi-agency operations.
The COAS also highlighted the importance of integrating technological innovation into training and operations, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to professionalism and readiness. In parallel, initiatives to enhance troop welfare including improved housing and support for post-service benefits were outlined as complementary to the broader reform agenda.
