The Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) Maj Gen Bamidele Alabi, on Monday said the Nigerian Army had recorded significant operational successes across various theatres of operations under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Wahib Shuaibu.
Speaking at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff First Biennial Conference 2026 in Abuja, the senior officer welcomed participants and commended the COAS for his visionary leadership and commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army.
He described the conference as historic, noting that it was the first major event to be held at the newly constructed Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Abuja.
He expressed appreciation to the COAS for approving the facility and providing resources that made the conference possible.
According to him, the transition of the COAS conference from quarterly and annual schedules to a biannual format since 2025 has provided sufficient time for effective implementation of decisions and directives reached at previous conferences.
He said the new arrangement had enhanced operational effectiveness and improved impact across formations and units.
The Chief of Policy and Plans stated that since Lt.-Gen. Shuaibu assumed office on Oct. 30, 2025, the Nigerian Army had made notable progress in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, anti-banditry operations in the North-West, as well as security operations in the North-Central and other parts of the country.
He, however, acknowledged that the Army had experienced setbacks in some operations but remained resolute in tackling contemporary security challenges.
According to him, the Army’s operational effectiveness, strengthened by discipline and adherence to rules of engagement, has improved civil-military relations and reinforced public confidence in the institution.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensuring a secure environment for socio-economic development.
The officer further stated that Army Headquarters had continued to intensify support to formations and units through enhanced training and provision of additional operational resources.
He said the efforts were geared towards actualising the COAS command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, combat-ready, adaptable and resilient force capable of operating effectively in joint and multi-agency environments.
He urged participants at the conference to critically appraise ongoing operations, identify lessons learnt from setbacks and evolve practical strategies to address emerging security threats.
According to him, all presentations and deliberations at the conference should focus on generating realistic and robust strategies to defeat adversaries threatening national security.
He called on participants to make meaningful contributions that would strengthen the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity and support national peace and stability.
The conference was attended by principal staff officers, commanders, heads of establishments, senior officers, regimental sergeant majors, members of the media and other stakeholders.
By: Zagazola Makama
