Nigerian Army honoured as Africa’s best counter-terrorism force

African Security Watch has honoured the Nigerian Army as Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025, in recognition of its exceptional operational achievements, strategic leadership and unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism across Nigeria.

Speaking while receiving the award in Abuja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, described it as a proud recognition of the extraordinary courage, professionalism, resilience and unwavering dedication of Nigerian Army officers and soldiers who continue to make immense sacrifices in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the protection of its citizens.

Shaibu noted that the award validates the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army’s evolving CTCOIN strategy and reinforces its position as a continental model for addressing complex security challenges.

The COAS dedicated the award to the gallant officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty and to their families whose steadfast support remains invaluable.

He emphasised that their courage and selfless service continue to inspire the Nigerian Army’s determination to secure the nation and preserve peace for all Nigerians.

The army chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s resolve to sustain its operational successes through enhanced intelligence-led operations, stronger joint and multi-agency collaboration, rigorous training, improved personnel welfare and the acquisition of modern capabilities.

He reiterated that the Army, under his leadership, will continue to advance its transformation into a more professional, adaptive, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges while making meaningful contributions to regional peace and security.

According to African Security Watch, the Nigerian Army earned the prestigious continental recognition based on its remarkable achievements in coordinated joint operations, intelligence-driven campaigns, effective civil-military cooperation, force development and capacity building, all of which have significantly weakened terrorist organisations and enhanced national and regional security.

The organisation further observed that the Nigerian Army has established itself as a benchmark for professional excellence and operational effectiveness in counter-terrorism across Africa.

The award underscores the Nigerian Army’s emergence as Africa’s leading force in Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Operations (CTCOIN), reflecting years of sustained, intelligence-driven operations that have significantly degraded terrorist networks, restored security to affected communities and contributed to regional peace and stability.

The prestigious award was formally presented to the COAS at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, by Maj.-Gen. Teriworie Gagariga, who had earlier received it on behalf of the Nigerian Army during the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony held in Banjul, the Gambia.

The recognition further affirms the Nigerian Army’s growing reputation as a professional and highly capable institution whose operational doctrine, combat experience and institutional best practices continue to serve as valuable reference points for armed forces across the African continent.