Nigerian Army Named Africa’s Best in Counter-Terrorism Operations

• The Nigerian Army has been named Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch.

The Nigerian Army has been named Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch, earning continental recognition for its achievements in combating terrorism and violent extremism.

According to a statement shared on X by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the award was formally presented to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

The honour was presented by Major General Teriworie Gagariga, who had earlier received the award on behalf of the Nigerian Army during the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony in Banjul, The Gambia.

African Security Watch said the recognition was based on the Nigerian Army’s success in coordinated joint operations, intelligence-led campaigns, civil-military cooperation, force development and capacity building.

The organisation noted that the Army’s operations had significantly weakened terrorist networks while improving security in Nigeria and across the region.

Receiving the award, Shaibu described the recognition as a tribute to the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of Nigerian soldiers serving on the frontlines against terrorism and insurgency.

“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,” he said.

The Army chief dedicated the award to officers and soldiers who lost their lives in active service, as well as their families, praising their sacrifices in the fight to secure the country.

He also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining operational successes through intelligence-led operations, improved training, stronger inter-agency collaboration and enhanced welfare for personnel.

Shaibu pledged that the Nigerian Army would continue transforming into a more professional, adaptive and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to emerging security threats while contributing to peace and stability across Africa.