The Nigerian Army's evolving counterterrorism strategy has received continental recognition after African Security Watch named it Africa's Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025, reinforcing Nigeria's growing influence in shaping regional responses to terrorism and violent extremism.


Desk: Defence & Security 
Date: 29 July 2026
Time: 18:20 WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria

The recognition was formally presented to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at Army Headquarters, Abuja, after Major General Teriworie Gagariga received the award on behalf of the Nigerian Army during the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony in Banjul, The Gambia. 

A statement issued by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed that the honour acknowledges the Army's sustained operational achievements, intelligence-driven campaigns, strategic leadership and institutional reforms that have weakened terrorist networks while improving security across affected communities.

Receiving the award, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the recognition as a tribute to the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of Nigerian Army personnel engaged in counterterrorism and counter-insurgency operations. 

He noted that the award validates the effectiveness of the Army's evolving operational doctrine and reinforces its emergence as a continental reference point for confronting complex security threats.

The COAS dedicated the honour to officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of Nigeria, as well as to their families, describing their commitment as the foundation of the Army's operational successes.

Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations, strengthening joint and multi-agency cooperation, expanding modern military capabilities, improving troop welfare and enhancing professional training to confront evolving security challenges while contributing to regional peace and stability.

According to African Security Watch, the Nigerian Army earned the continental honour through its coordinated joint operations, intelligence-driven campaigns, civil-military cooperation, force development and sustained capacity-building initiatives, which have significantly degraded terrorist organisations and established the Service as a benchmark for operational excellence in counterterrorism across Africa.

🏷️ Tags: Zig Press Release, Defence, Counterterrorism, Nigerian Army, African Security Watch, Military Recognition, Regional Security, CTCOIN

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