Nigerian Army Named Africa’s Best in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025

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The Nigerian Army has been recognised as Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025, earning continental recognition for its sustained efforts against terrorism and violent extremism.

The prestigious honour was conferred by African Security Watch during the 19th Africa Security Watch Awards Ceremony held in Banjul, The Gambia, before being formally presented to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

The award was initially received on behalf of the Nigerian Army by Major General Teriworie Gagariga, who represented the service at the continental awards ceremony.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the recognition reflects the Nigerian Army’s remarkable operational achievements, strategic leadership, and commitment to restoring peace in areas affected by insurgency and terrorism.

African Security Watch said the Nigerian Army distinguished itself through coordinated joint military operations, intelligence-driven campaigns, effective civil-military cooperation, force development initiatives, and continuous capacity building.

The organisation noted that these efforts have significantly weakened terrorist groups, improved security in conflict-affected communities, and contributed to peace and stability not only in Nigeria but across the West African sub-region.

Receiving the award in Abuja, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the recognition as a tribute to the courage, resilience, professionalism, and sacrifices of officers and soldiers serving on the frontlines of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign.

The Army Chief dedicated the award to personnel who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation, as well as to their families whose sacrifices continue to inspire members of the armed forces.

“This recognition belongs to every officer and soldier who has served with courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting the sovereignty of our nation. We honour the memories of our fallen heroes whose sacrifices made achievements like this possible,” he said.

Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s determination to sustain its operational successes by strengthening intelligence-led operations, improving troop training, expanding collaboration with other security agencies, and enhancing the welfare of military personnel.

He added that the Army would continue its ongoing transformation into a more professional, technologically advanced, adaptive, and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to emerging security threats.

The recognition comes at a time when the Nigerian Army has intensified operations against insurgents, terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups operating across different parts of the country.

Military authorities have increasingly relied on coordinated land and air operations, improved intelligence gathering, and partnerships with other security agencies to disrupt terrorist networks, recover occupied communities, and restore normalcy in conflict-prone areas.

Beyond Nigeria’s borders, the Army has also played a significant role in regional peace and security initiatives through joint operations and collaboration with neighbouring countries confronting similar security challenges.

Security analysts say the award underscores the growing recognition of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations on the African continent while highlighting the importance of continued investment in military training, technology, intelligence, and troop welfare.

The latest honour further reinforces the Nigerian Army’s position as one of Africa’s leading military forces in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, reflecting years of operational experience and ongoing efforts to strengthen national and regional security.