Bi-Annual Conference Enhancing Implementation of Army Decisions, Operational Efficiency – COAS
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the transition of Army conferences from quarterly and annual schedules to bi-annual engagements has significantly improved implementation of operational decisions and enhanced effectiveness in the field.
Shaibu stated this at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 held on Monday in Abuja.
The COAS said the decision to make the conference bi-annual was a strategic initiative aimed at creating sufficient time for formations and units to implement directives and recommendations reached during previous conferences.
According to him, the new arrangement has provided adequate room for proper monitoring, evaluation and assessment of operational outcomes.
“As we are all aware, since 2025, the Chief of Army Staff conference has become bi-annual, transiting from the previous quarterly and annual schedule.
“This change was intended to ensure ample time for implementing decisions and directives from each conference, leading to greater effectiveness and impact in the field,” he said.
Shaibu noted that the Army had recorded notable operational gains since the adoption of the new conference framework.
He explained that the Nigerian Army had become more focused in implementing strategic directives aimed at addressing security challenges across the country.
The COAS stated that the successes recorded in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East and anti-banditry operations in the North-West and North-Central regions were products of improved planning, coordination and operational reviews.
According to him, regular assessment of operations remained critical to sustaining operational momentum and improving combat readiness.
He said the conference would provide commanders and senior officers the opportunity to critically evaluate ongoing operations and identify areas requiring improvement.
The COAS urged participants to engage in honest and professional discussions capable of generating practical solutions to operational challenges confronting the Army.
He stressed that lessons learnt from previous operations must be properly documented and integrated into future operational planning and training.
Shaibu further disclosed that Army Headquarters had intensified efforts toward improving troop preparedness through realistic and result-oriented training programmes.
He added that additional operational resources and logistics support were being deployed to formations and units to sustain ongoing military operations.
The COAS reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to working closely with other security agencies in addressing contemporary security threats.
He noted that effective synergy among security agencies remained essential to achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.
Shaibu also highlighted the importance of professionalism and discipline in maintaining operational effectiveness and improving public trust in the Army.
According to him, the Nigerian Army’s commitment to rules of engagement and respect for human rights had contributed significantly to improved civil-military relations.
The COAS commended officers and soldiers for their resilience and sacrifices in various operational theatres and assured them of continued support from Army Headquarters.
He also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its sustained support to the Nigerian Army in the areas of funding, equipment procurement and troop welfare.
The conference featured operational briefings, strategic presentations and discussions on emerging security threats and military responses.
