By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged students of the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria, to remain disciplined, focused and committed to academic excellence, describing the institution as a critical foundation for their future roles in national development.

Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the charge on Saturday during an official visit to the school, where he reminded the students that the values and training they receive at NMS would shape their conduct and achievements long after graduation.

He noted that while some of the students would advance to further military training and eventually serve as officers in the Armed Forces, others would pursue careers in tertiary institutions and the wider society, where they are expected to stand out through the discipline and leadership qualities imbibed at NMS.

“Wherever you find yourselves in the future, you will be different from your peers because of the discipline, enthusiasm and leadership values instilled in you here. This institution will always remain part of your life,” the Army Chief said.

The COAS assured the students that the Nigerian Army was making sustained investments to improve teaching methods, enhance classroom facilities and deploy modern technology aimed at providing a world-class learning environment.

He also urged the students to uphold the school’s long tradition of academic excellence, particularly its record of success in inter-school quiz competitions, stressing that hard work and commitment to studies remain essential to success.

“You have emerged through a rigorous selection process and have been introduced to a world-class learning environment. Everything is in place for you to succeed, and you must make the best use of this opportunity,” he added.

Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the officers, soldiers and instructors of the school for their dedication to mentoring the students, describing them as custodians of Nigeria’s future leadership.

“These young men are our future. Ensure they are properly guided, protected and kept on the trajectory of excellence,” he said, while congratulating the entire NMS community and reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining high standards in military education and training.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Nigerian Army on Thursday marked a seamless change of leadership as Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu officially assumed office as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

The handing and taking over ceremony was held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, between the outgoing COAS, now Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and his successor.

In his maiden address, Maj.

The new COAS pledged to sustain and build upon the legacies of his predecessor while enhancing collaboration among security agencies to strengthen national security. He assured that the current security landscape would be critically assessed, with prompt responses to emerging threats.

“I salute the courage, passion, resilience, and discipline of our troops in the field. Their sacrifices remain the cornerstone of our collective success,” he stated.

Shaibu expressed deep appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for entrusting him with the leadership of the Nigerian Army. He also led senior officers in observing a minute’s silence in honour of fallen heroes.

In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing COAS and new CDS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and the opportunity to serve. He lauded officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and urged them to remain loyal and committed under the new leadership.

“The mission remains the same — to ensure the security of lives and defend the territorial integrity of our nation,” he said.

Earlier, the former Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj. Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, described General Oluyede as a selfless and visionary leader whose impact would be remembered by generations of officers.

The event featured the signing of handover documents, decoration of the new Army Chief with Headquarters insignia, inspection of the quarter guard, and group photographs with senior officers and field commanders.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have sustained an aggressive nationwide campaign against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups, recording major operational successes across all theatres within the week ending October 16, 2025.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, who disclosed this during the weekly press briefing in Abuja, said the operations reflected the continued dedication, professionalism, and discipline of Nigerian troops on land, in the air, and at sea.

According to him, coordinated operations under various Joint Task Forces—Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West, Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE in the North Central, Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South, and Operation UDO KA in the South-East—resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, arrest of criminal elements, and rescue of kidnapped victims.

In the North East, troops denied Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS fighters freedom of movement through aggressive ground and air operations in parts of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. Scores of terrorists were eliminated, 16 collaborators arrested, and seven hostages rescued. Troops also recovered assorted weapons, vehicles, and ₦5.14 million in cash.

Similarly, in the North West, troops sustained their offensive against bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger States. Several terrorists were killed, 14 arrested, and six kidnapped victims rescued. A gunrunner and two drug cartel members were also apprehended with 1,307 live ammunition, motorcycles, narcotics, and ₦227,000.

In the North Central region, under Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE, troops carried out raids and responded to distress calls in Plateau, Kaduna, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi States, neutralising criminals and rescuing 17 kidnap victims. Four suspects were also convicted and sentenced by a magistrate court in Plateau State.

In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE troops foiled oil theft valued at over ₦98.7 million, destroying 11 illegal refining sites and arresting 13 suspects. The troops also seized large volumes of stolen petroleum products and dismantled multiple illegal refining facilities across Delta and Rivers States.

Meanwhile, in the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN commander known as Gentle alongside eight accomplices in Imo and Ebonyi States. A female logistics supplier linked to the group was also apprehended in Abia State, where three children of a wanted terrorist leader were found in her custody.

Major General Kangye commended the gallant troops for their bravery and sacrifices, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain steadfast and resolute in securing the nation.

“Our recent operational successes—whether in counterterrorism, anti-banditry, maritime security, or internal operations—are not just battlefield victories but clear demonstrations of our resolve to secure every inch of Nigeria,” he stated.

He urged citizens to continue supporting the military through credible intelligence sharing, noting that collective cooperation remains vital to achieving lasting peace and stability across the country.