By Samuel Ike, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger joint military operations, improved intelligence sharing and greater integration of capabilities across multiple domains to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Shaibu made the call on Monday, 12 October 2026, while addressing participants at the graduation lecture of Army War College Course 10/2026 in Abuja.

He said the growing complexity of modern warfare required the Armed Forces and other security agencies to strengthen cooperation, coordinate their operations and maximise their respective capabilities to achieve effective security outcomes.

The Army Chief described the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions as a strategic initiative aimed at improving territorial coverage, addressing emerging threats and strengthening the military’s operational response across the country.

He explained that the expansion was not merely about increasing the number of formations and personnel but about building a more professional, adaptable and combat ready force capable of responding effectively to complex security situations.

He stressed that the success of the expanded force would depend on the effective deployment of trained personnel, modern technology, actionable intelligence, adequate logistics and efficient command and control systems.

According to him, the additional divisions must translate into improved combat effectiveness, greater operational flexibility and measurable gains in the country’s security landscape.Shaibu also urged military commanders to embrace innovative approaches to warfare by integrating intelligence, technology, information operations and combat capabilities across different operational domains.

He emphasised that professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law must remain central to military operations to sustain public trust and strengthen institutional credibility.The COAS charged participants of Course 10/2026 to apply the knowledge, strategic insight and leadership skills acquired during their training to practical military challenges.

He said their expertise would be critical to improving operational planning, deepening inter agency cooperation and supporting the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army.Delivering the graduation lecture, titled “Winning in Complex Security Environments: Reimagining the Nigerian Army Force Structure for Multi-Domain Operations,” former National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.), called for a fundamental reassessment of military structures, doctrines and operational strategies to meet emerging security threats.

Monguno highlighted the growing importance of integrating land, air, cyber and information capabilities in contemporary warfare. He noted that technological developments, including unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence and digital communication platforms, were rapidly changing the character of military operations and requiring corresponding adjustments in military planning and execution.

He advocated sustained investment in technological innovation, intelligence integration, institutional reforms and continuous professional military education to equip commanders with the skills and knowledge required to operate in increasingly complex and contested security environments.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Major General Umar Alkali, commended the COAS for his continued support towards strengthening the institution’s capacity to produce operational level commanders and strategic leaders.

He said participants of Course 10/2026 had undergone rigorous professional training designed to improve their critical thinking, operational planning and leadership capabilities.

The graduation lecture formed part of activities marking the graduation of Army War College Course 10/2026 and underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to developing professionally competent, technologically adaptable and operationally effective commanders capable of fulfilling the service’s constitutional responsibilities.