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The Nigerian Army has been named Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch, the Army has announced.
This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Colonel Apollonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations.
According to Anele, the award recognises the Nigerian Army’s exceptional operational achievements, strategic leadership and commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism across Nigeria.
“The award underscores the Nigerian Army’s emergence as Africa’s leading force in Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Operations (CTCOIN), reflecting years of sustained, intelligence-driven operations that have significantly degraded terrorist networks, restored security to affected communities and contributed to regional peace and stability,” Anele said.
The award was formally presented to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at Army Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday by Major General Teriworie Gagariga, who received it on behalf of the Nigerian Army at the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony held in Banjul, The Gambia, he added.
Receiving the award, the COAS described the honour as a proud recognition of the extraordinary courage, professionalism, resilience and unwavering dedication of Nigerian Army officers and soldiers who continue to make immense sacrifices in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the protection of its citizens.
He noted that 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.
Lieutenant General Shaibu dedicated the award to the gallant officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty and to their families whose steadfast support remains invaluable, the statement said.
The COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s resolve to sustain its operational successes through enhanced intelligence-led operations, stronger joint and multi-agency collaboration, rigorous training, improved personnel welfare and the acquisition of modern capabilities.
According to African Security Watch, the Nigerian Army earned the recognition based on its remarkable achievements in coordinated joint operations, intelligence-driven campaigns, effective civil-military cooperation, force development and capacity building, all of which have significantly weakened terrorist organisations and enhanced national and regional security.
The organisation further observed that the Nigerian Army has established itself as a benchmark for professional excellence and operational effectiveness in counter-terrorism across Africa, Anele added.
NIGERIAN ARMY HONOURED AS AFRICA’S PREMIER COUNTER-TERRORISM FORCE
The Nigerian Army has attained another major continental milestone following its recognition as Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025, an honour conferred by African Security Watch… pic.twitter.com/1FtT7ncRh7
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) July 29, 2026
