Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu says ongoing reforms are intended to build a more professional, adaptable, technology-enabled and combat-ready Nigerian Army.
Shaibu spoke while receiving members of the Nigerian Defence Academy Course 39 United Welfare Association at Army Headquarters in Abuja.
He said sustained engagement with retired officers and veterans remained important to institutional development because of the operational experience and professional knowledge they could provide.
According to the Army chief, veteran engagement helps preserve institutional memory and provides mentoring for serving personnel.
Shaibu also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to personnel welfare beyond active service.
He pledged N25 million to the association’s Emergency Health Fund to support members requiring medical assistance.
The COAS said the Army was expanding its force structure, manpower, training and operational capabilities.
He cited the expansion to 12 divisions and the integration of 28,000 recruits through regional training depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri Edda.
The Army is also implementing a revised training curriculum with greater emphasis on marksmanship, physical fitness and fieldcraft.
Shaibu said the reforms were intended to prepare troops for increasingly complex operating environments.
He also highlighted the Army’s transition towards multi-domain operations through space, cyber and non-kinetic capabilities.
Other areas include Army aviation and unmanned aerial systems.
The visiting association, led by retired Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, commended the Army’s efforts to strengthen force structure and operational capacity.
The group also acknowledged support received in areas including health insurance, emergency assistance and capacity-building programmes.
