Nigerian Army named Africa’s best in counter-terrorism operations

The Nigerian Army has received continental recognition after being named Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch.

According to a post by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, on X on Wednesday, the award, which recognises the Army’s operational achievements, strategic leadership and commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism, was formally presented to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

The award was presented by Major General Teriworie Gagariga, who had earlier received the honour on behalf of the Nigerian Army at the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony held in Banjul, The Gambia.

African Security Watch said the recognition was based on the Nigerian Army’s achievements in coordinated joint operations, intelligence-driven campaigns, civil-military cooperation, force development and capacity building.

The organisation said the Army’s efforts had significantly weakened terrorist networks while contributing to improved national and regional security.

Receiving the award, Shaibu described the recognition as a tribute to the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of Nigerian Army personnel working to protect the country.

He said the honour reflected the commitment of officers and soldiers who continue to confront security threats across the nation.

“The award validates the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army’s evolving counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategy and reinforces its position as a continental model for addressing complex security challenges,” Shaibu said.

The Army chief dedicated the award to officers and soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as their families for their continued support.

He said their sacrifices remained a source of inspiration for the military’s efforts to secure Nigeria and promote peace.

Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining its operational gains through intelligence-led operations, improved training, stronger collaboration with other security agencies and enhanced welfare for personnel.

He also pledged that the Nigerian Army would continue its transformation into a more professional, adaptive and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to emerging security challenges.

“The Nigerian Army 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,” he said.

The recognition further highlights the Nigerian Army’s growing role in regional security operations and its contribution to efforts aimed at countering terrorism and violent extremism across Africa.