Nigerian Army Pushing Ahead With Digital Transformation – COAS

Nigerian Army Pushing Ahead With Digital Transformation – COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, NAM, says the Nigerian Army is pushing ahead with digital transformation and the “smart soldier” concept to boost operational effectiveness. He made the remarks on Thursday, 19 February 2026, at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Transformation and Innovation seminar held in the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering Officers’ Mess, NASME Barracks, Makurdi. The event covered digital transformation and the smart-soldier concept, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and drug/substance abuse.

The seminar aimed to raise awareness of the Army’s digital drive, highlight how digital technology can sharpen effectiveness, flag the impact of drug/substance abuse, and discuss PTSD’s effect on operational capacity.

Represented by Operation Whirl Stroke commander, Major General Moses Gara, the COAS noted that digital tools—beyond combat—have wide application across a digitised battlespace. Harnessing them aligns with his command philosophy: _to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment_. He said evolving security threats demand a holistic approach, and that PTSD and drug abuse are twin impediments to combat readiness. He commended the initiative as proof of the Army’s unwavering commitment to readiness and robust administration.

Earlier, Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army) Major General Olusegun Abai—represented by Deputy Chief of Transformation Major General Ime Bassey—said the topics have never been more urgent given the psychological, physical and technological demands of modern warfare. He explained that the seminar aligns with the COAS philosophy of putting the soldier at the centre, empowered by cutting-edge technology and safeguarded against mental and physical threats. It was deliberately designed to tackle rising cases of PTSD and drug abuse through education, early intervention, counselling and stronger support systems.

The highlight of the event included lecture presentations from erudite resource persons, robust interactive session, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.