President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed his administration’s strategic commitment to the Nigerian Army, placing renewed emphasis on welfare, professionalism and operational effectiveness as the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 opened in Lagos.
Zig Diaries Defence
Date: Saturday, 13 December 2025
Time: 14:30 WAT
Location: 📍 Lagos, Nigeria
The conference, a key annual forum for senior military leadership, brings together serving and retired commanders to review operational realities, interrogate strategy and reposition the Nigerian Army to confront evolving national, regional and global security threats.
Beyond ceremony, the gathering signals a moment of institutional reflection, drawing on experience, continuity and command memory to strengthen the Army’s role in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and internal stability.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the President, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, described the convergence of elder statesmen, former Service Chiefs and senior officers as a living testament to the Nigerian Army’s enduring heritage, discipline and fighting spirit.
“The presence of our senior military leaders, past and present, reflects the depth of institutional memory that continues to guide the Nigerian Army in service of our nation,” the President said.
President Tinubu paid tribute to serving and retired officers whose sacrifices and leadership have shaped the Army across generations, commending troops who consistently place national duty above personal comfort in defence of Nigeria’s unity and territorial integrity.
He noted that the COAS Annual Conference remains a critical platform for honest reflection, strategic evaluation and continuous improvement in training, administration and operations, particularly as security threats grow more complex and adaptive.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, described the conference as a vital strategic forum for reviewing operational posture, assessing readiness and aligning the Nigerian Army’s future direction with national security priorities.
“This conference must translate into concrete operational actions and measurable results on the battlefield,” the Defence Minister said, stressing the importance of joint operations, inter-agency cooperation and a whole-of-society approach to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, expressed appreciation to the President for sustained political will and strategic support, particularly in personnel welfare, equipment modernisation, training and institutional reforms.
He also acknowledged the legislative and budgetary backing of the National Assembly, noting that such support has significantly enhanced the Army’s operational readiness across all theatres of operation.
Reaffirming the Army’s mission focus, Lieutenant General Shaibu said the Nigerian Army remains at the forefront of national efforts against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality, adding that the force is deliberately transforming into a more professional, adaptive and technology-driven institution capable of confronting both conventional and asymmetric threats.
Participants were urged to approach deliberations with patriotism, professionalism and a shared commitment to national peace and stability.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described security as a fundamental prerequisite for development and commended the Nigerian Army for its role in preserving national unity and democratic governance. He specifically lauded Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army, for its contribution to peace and stability in Lagos State and pledged continued state support.
The opening ceremony attracted senior government officials, Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff and Chiefs of Army Staff, senior military officers serving and retired, heads of security agencies, diplomats and other distinguished guests.
The COAS Annual Conference 2025 is expected to deliberate on key operational, administrative and strategic issues aimed at further strengthening the Nigerian Army’s capacity to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
🏷️ Tags: President Bola Tinubu, Nigerian Army, COAS Annual Conference 2025, Defence, Lagos, Armed Forces
#ZigDiariesDefence #NigerianArmy #COASConference2025 #NationalSecurity #Nigeria
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