Senior military and government leaders told the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Lagos on Monday that Nigeria must keep improving its army to meet rising threats and protect development.
The comments come at the inauguration of the 2025 Chief of Army Staff National Conference.
Army leaders described the conference as a year-end review and planning forum where commanders will study lessons from operations and shape strategies for 2026.
Major themes were professionalism, interagency cooperation, and adapting to complex threats such as terrorism, banditry and transnational crime.
Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu outlined a command philosophy to “advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force,” and thanked the presidency and National Assembly for support.
He said the conference will help the army review readiness and policy.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said security is the foundation for progress and praised recent steps to modernise training and equipment.
Speakers urged continued investment in intelligence, training and joint operations so the army can protect citizens and allow Nigeria’s economy and society to grow.
The conference continues with sessions to turn recommendations into concrete plans.
