A coalition of Civil Society Organisations under the aegis of Nigeria Integrity Watch has commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for what it described as a “transformative leadership style” that has repositioned the Nigerian Army and strengthened its operational effectiveness nationwide.
- +CSOs hail COAS for reforms, improved security operations
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Convener, John Nangi, the group said the reforms introduced under the Army Chief had helped address long-standing challenges in the military, including desertion, low morale, and premature retirements.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Convener, John Nangi, the group said the reforms introduced under the Army Chief had helped address long-standing challenges in the military, including desertion, low morale, and premature retirements.
It said Shaibu’s leadership had ushered in “a new era of professionalism, discipline and combat readiness” within the Army.
The coalition particularly highlighted the introduction of the Army Chief’s “Command Philosophy”, which it described as the foundation of ongoing efforts to revitalise the institution and redefine its operational outlook.
According to the statement, the philosophy extends beyond equipment acquisition and is aimed at reshaping the Army through professionalism, agility, resilience, and improved operational performance.
The group noted that the Army leadership had acknowledged that conventional military approaches alone were no longer sufficient to address emerging security threats across the country.
It added that greater emphasis had been placed on intelligence gathering, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance, alongside investments in cyber operations, drones and satellite intelligence systems.
The coalition also referenced the introduction of an administrative and operational framework known as PROSE — Professional Excellence, Robust Administration, Operational Readiness, Strategic Cooperation and Exemplary Leadership — which it said was shaping a new institutional culture within the Army.
“These five pillars form the bedrock of the new military culture being cultivated within the Nigerian Army”, the statement added.
It further commended the adoption of a “Soldier-First Culture”, describing it as a shift in the welfare and treatment of military personnel.
According to the statement, “In a nation where soldiers have historically been viewed as expendable, this Soldier-First Culture is not merely a policy but a solemn pledge,” adding that the initiative prioritises the well-being, motivation, training, and proper equipping of troops.
The coalition said the reforms had also helped reduce incidents of indiscipline, including absenteeism and premature retirements, due to improved welfare and enforcement of standards.
It praised the sacrifices of troops engaged in counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations across the country, urging Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.
The group expressed confidence that the ongoing reforms under Shaibu would strengthen the Army, enhance national security operations, and restore public confidence in the armed forces.
The Army has, for several years, been extensively involved in internal security operations across multiple regions of the country, working in coordination with other security agencies.
This includes counter-insurgency operations in the North-East against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, as well as operations in the North-West and parts of the North-Central region targeting armed banditry, kidnapping networks, and other violent non-state actors.
