The Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to enhance operational efficiency and institutional performance through the introduction of a Standardised Evaluation Framework aimed at strengthening accountability and combat readiness across formations.

The initiative was highlighted on Tuesday at a sensitisation seminar organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Standards and Evaluation at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre.

This was contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen.

Waidi Shaibu, represented by the Military Secretary (Army), Maj.-Gen. Everest Okoro, described the framework as a major step in deepening institutional effectiveness and sustaining operational excellence.

Waidi said the Department of Standards and Evaluation served as the Army’s quality assurance arm, responsible for enforcing compliance with operational benchmarks, conducting readiness assessments, and evaluating performance across units.

According to him, the system is designed to identify strengths and weaknesses within formations, close operational gaps, and improve overall mission effectiveness through structured evaluation.

Shaibu noted that the seminar marked the first major engagement of the department since its establishment, underscoring the army’s commitment to continuous improvement and professionalism.

He said the development reflected the Nigerian Army’s broader push to entrench a culture of accountability, precision and continuous improvement within its operational structure.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation, Maj.-Gen. Bobby Ugiagbe, said the framework would institutionalise uniform standards across the army and strengthen discipline, professionalism and operational efficiency.

He added that the initiative would ensure systematic application of evaluation tools to improve performance outcomes and align Army operations with global best practices.

The seminar brought together senior officers and stakeholders to deepen understanding of performance assessment mechanisms and strengthen compliance across formations.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has sustained its counter-terrorism offensive with precision airstrikes that destroyed terrorists’ structures and logistic hubs in the Mandara Mountains area of Borno.

This was contained in a statement by the NAF Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ejodame stated that the strikes, conducted on April 27 at Guduf, targeted a known terrorists’ enclave following credible intelligence and confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

He said NAF air assets identified multiple structures used by insurgents for logistics and coordination before executing a coordinated Air Interdiction operation.

He added that the targets were engaged with precision, leading to destruction of key infrastructure supporting the terrorists’ activities in the area.

“The operation significantly degraded the operational capability of the terrorists and reinforced ongoing efforts to deny them freedom of action,” he said.

Ejodame noted that the mission was carried out in strict compliance with rules of engagement, with due consideration for the protection of civilians and the environment.

He reiterated NAF’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorists’ elements and supporting broader military operations to restore peace and security in the North-East.

Troops of 82 Division and Joint Task Force South East (OPUK) have apprehended a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) and recovered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) during clearance operations in Imo.

This was contained in an operational report on Monday in Abuja.

The reports said the suspect, identified as Onyebuchi Dara (28), from Etinasa community in Orsu Local Government Area, was arrested at Ehioma Junction following actionable intelligence linked to earlier attacks on security personnel.

The report said the suspect had previously benefitted from an amnesty programme but went underground after reportedly fearing attacks from a suspected armed group leader known as “Gentle the Yahoo”.

“Preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspect allegedly admitted being present during the killing of two soldiers, retired MWO Linus Musa and Pte Gloria Matthew, at Ubaha–Orsu in 2022.

“He is currently in custody as investigations continue to track other suspects and dismantle remaining cells in the area.

“In a related operation, troops conducting clearance operations along the Akwu–Udah axis discovered five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in an area abandoned for years.

“The devices were safely neutralised by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts at designated coordinates, preventing potential harm to troops and civilians.

“Troops also recovered military and vigilante uniforms, boots and other items suspected to be used for impersonation and operational support by criminal elements,” it said.

The report further revealed that operations in the area were ongoing as part of sustained efforts to degrade hostile networks and restore security in the South-East.