The Nigerian Army has been recognised as Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement posted on her official X handle on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the award was formally presented to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The award was handed over by Maj. Gen. Teriworie Gagariga, who had earlier received it on behalf of the Nigerian Army during the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony held in Banjul, The Gambia.
African Security Watch said the recognition was in appreciation of the Nigerian Army’s operational achievements, strategic leadership and sustained commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism across the continent.
The organisation noted that the Army distinguished itself through coordinated joint operations, intelligence-led campaigns, civil-military cooperation, force development and capacity building.
It added that the Army’s operations had significantly degraded terrorist networks while contributing to improved national and regional security.
Receiving the award, Shaibu described the honour as a tribute to the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of officers and soldiers serving the nation.
He said the recognition reflected the unwavering commitment of troops confronting security threats across different parts of the country.
“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 Chief of Army Staff dedicated the award to officers and soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty and commended their families for their resilience and support.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to consolidating its operational successes through intelligence-driven operations, improved training, stronger inter-agency collaboration 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 addressing emerging security challenges while contributing to regional peace and stability.
