‘Africa’s Best National Army’: CSO hails historic continental recognition under Shaibu

The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA), a leading pan-African civil society organisation, has warmly congratulated the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army on their historic recognition as Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025.

The ‘Africa’s Best National Army’ award, presented by African Security Watch during a ceremony in Banjul, The Gambia, represents international recognition of the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

The CSO believes the recognition reflects the impact of the Army’s renewed focus on professionalism, operational readiness, and leadership in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

Following the unveiling of his command philosophy, PROSE, on February 25, 2026, while addressing participants of Senior Course 48 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Lt. Gen. Shaibu emphasised that Nigeria’s evolving and complex security environment required a new leadership approach founded on professionalism, resilience, operational excellence, strategic thinking, and concern for personnel.

ALSO READ: No fire at Lagos airport terminal, smoke caused by suppression system — FAAN

According to the CSO, the implementation of the PROSE philosophy has coincided with improvements in the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness.

The organisation noted increased motivation among troops, enhanced tactical responsiveness, strengthened collaboration with other security agencies, and continued efforts in rescuing kidnapping victims, disrupting terrorist activities, and dismantling criminal networks.

Speaking on the development, Hassan Mohammed of the Foundation for Democracy in Africa said: “The Nigerian Army has continued to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the nation. This award is more than a symbol of achievement; it recognises the dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism of our troops and the strategic direction provided by the Chief of Army Staff. We congratulate Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu and the entire Nigerian Army on this continental recognition and encourage them to sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.”

The CSO also commended COAS Shaibu for dedicating the award to the officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, as well as to their families.

According to the organisation, the gesture reflects the emphasis on personnel welfare and leadership embedded in the PROSE philosophy.

The formal presentation of the award to the COAS by Maj. Gen. Tariweriye Gagariga at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, following its receipt in Banjul, further highlighted the significance of the recognition and Nigeria’s continued role in regional security efforts.

The Foundation for Democracy in Africa calls on Nigerians, civil society organisations, and international partners to continue supporting the Nigerian Army in its efforts to combat terrorism and other security threats.

It also encourages the military leadership to sustain intelligence-driven operations, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and deepen civil-military cooperation in pursuit of lasting peace, security, and democratic development in Nigeria and across Africa.