By Gabriel Ameh
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has pledged ₦25 million to support the medical needs of retired military officers while outlining ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the Nigerian Army’s manpower, training and operational capabilities.
Shaibu made the commitment on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when he received members of the Executive Committee of the Course 39 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) United Welfare Association (UWA), led by its President, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (Rtd), during a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The ₦25 million pledge is to support the association’s Emergency Health Fund, which provides medical assistance to its members.
The Army Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of serving and retired personnel, stressing that its responsibility to those who have served the country extends beyond active service.
Shaibu described sustained engagement with veterans and retired officers as an important part of institutional development, noting that their operational experience, professional knowledge and leadership expertise remain valuable to the service.
According to him, continued interaction with veterans can strengthen institutional memory, mentorship and continuity while providing additional perspectives for addressing contemporary security challenges.
Beyond personnel welfare, the COAS highlighted measures being implemented to expand the Army’s force structure and improve its operational effectiveness.
He disclosed that the Nigerian Army has expanded to 12 divisions and integrated 28,000 recruits through regional training depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri Edda.
Shaibu said the initiatives were designed to improve the Army’s operational reach and responsiveness across the country.
He also disclosed that a revised training curriculum is being implemented, with greater emphasis on marksmanship, physical fitness and fieldcraft to prepare troops for increasingly complex security environments.
The Army Chief further said the Nigerian Army is advancing towards multi-domain operations through the integration of space, cyber and non-kinetic capabilities.
He added that the service is developing Army aviation and unmanned aerial systems as part of efforts to improve situational awareness, operational mobility and responsiveness to emerging threats.
On post-service welfare, Shaibu highlighted the institutionalisation of the Senior Executive Transition Programme, which is designed to prepare retiring senior officers and their spouses for life after active service.
He said the programme forms part of the Army’s broader approach to personnel welfare during active service and beyond retirement.
Earlier, Daramola congratulated Shaibu on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff and his elevation to the rank of Lieutenant General.
He commended the COAS for measures aimed at strengthening the Army’s force structure and operational capabilities, while acknowledging the Army’s support to the association in areas including health insurance, emergency assistance and capacity-building.
Daramola assured Shaibu that members of Course 39 remained willing to contribute their operational, technical and leadership experience through mentorship, advisory support and specialised expertise.
The engagement therefore brought together the Army’s current leadership and retired officers around two key areas: strengthening welfare for veterans and drawing on their experience to support institutional development and the Army’s ongoing transformation efforts.
