The Nigerian Army has been recognised as Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch.
The award, which acknowledges the Army’s operational achievements, strategic leadership and efforts to combat 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.
According to a post by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, on X, the award was presented by Major General Teriworie Gagariga, who had earlier received it on behalf of the Nigerian Army at the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony in Banjul, The Gambia.
African Security Watch said the recognition was based on the Nigerian Army’s achievements in coordinated joint operations, intelligence-led campaigns, civil-military cooperation, force development and capacity building.
The organisation noted that the Army’s efforts had significantly weakened terrorist networks while contributing to improved security in Nigeria and the wider region.
Receiving the award, Shaibu described the recognition as a tribute to the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of Nigerian Army personnel involved in the fight against insecurity across the country.
He said the honour reflected the dedication of officers and soldiers who continue to confront terrorism and other security threats.
“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 and sacrifices.
He 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.
Shaibu also pledged that the Nigerian Army would continue its transformation into a more professional, adaptive, combat-ready and resilient force capable of responding effectively to emerging security threats.
“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 underscores the Nigerian Army’s growing role in regional security efforts and its contribution to combating terrorism and violent extremism across Africa.
