Nigerian Army Named Africa’s Best Counter-Terrorism Force for 2025
The Nigerian Army has been recognised as Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch, in recognition of its outstanding achievements in combating terrorism and violent extremism across the continent.
The prestigious award was presented to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday. It was handed over by Major General Teriworie Gagariga, who had earlier received the award on behalf of the Nigerian Army during the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony in Banjul, The Gambia.
According to African Security Watch, the award acknowledges the Nigerian Army’s exceptional operational performance, strategic leadership and sustained commitment to counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations. The organisation noted that the Army’s intelligence-led campaigns, coordinated joint operations, civil-military cooperation, force development and capacity-building efforts have significantly weakened terrorist groups while improving security in Nigeria and the wider region.
The recognition also highlights the Nigerian Army’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s most professional and capable military institutions, with its operational doctrine and combat experience serving as a model for other armed forces on the continent.
Receiving the award, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the honour as a testament to the courage, professionalism, resilience and dedication of Nigerian Army officers and soldiers who continue to make sacrifices in defence of the nation’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.
He said the recognition validates the Army’s evolving counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategy and reinforces its position as a continental leader in addressing complex security challenges.
The Chief of Army Staff dedicated the award to officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, as well as to their families, whose unwavering support has remained invaluable.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining its operational successes through enhanced intelligence-driven operations, stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved training, better personnel welfare and the acquisition of modern military capabilities.
Lieutenant General Shaibu stressed that the Army would continue its transformation into a more professional, adaptive and combat-ready force capable of effectively responding to Nigeria’s evolving security threats while contributing to regional peace and stability.
African Security Watch stated that the Nigerian Army has set a benchmark for operational excellence in counter-terrorism across Africa, citing its consistent successes in degrading terrorist networks, restoring security to affected communities and strengthening regional peace and security.
