The Nigerian Army says it is repositioning its combat forces to confront emerging security threats through technology-driven warfare, realistic mission-specific training and improved joint operations.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Waidi Shaibu, stated this at the close of the 2026 Combat Arms Training Week held at the Jaji Military Cantonment in Jaji.
Shaibu said the contemporary battlespace had become increasingly complex, multidimensional and technology-driven, making it necessary for the Army to integrate emerging combat capabilities such as drone warfare and combat aviation into military operations.
“Today’s battlespace has become increasingly complex, multidimensional and technology-driven, demanding the integration of emerging combat capabilities such as drone warfare and combat aviation into military operations,” he said.
The Army Chief disclosed that Defence Headquarters had directed the incorporation of drone platoons into infantry manoeuvre companies as part of measures to improve battlefield effectiveness.
According to him, deliberate steps would also be taken to amend the Nigerian Army Order of Battle to align with evolving operational realities and strengthen combat readiness.
Earlier, the Commander, Infantry Corps Centre, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, said the training week provided a practical platform for testing tactical proficiency, leadership capacity and operational readiness under simulated combat conditions.
Mutkut explained that the week-long activities, which included field exercises, lecture sessions and equipment demonstrations, had strengthened synergy among combat arms formations while enhancing the professional competence of participating officers.
“The activities further strengthened synergy among combat arms formations while enhancing the professional competence of participating officers,” he said.
The 2026 Combat Arms Training Week featured combined swimming tactics, infantry and armoured manoeuvres, firepower demonstrations, exhibitions and strategic discussions on emerging security threats.
Military authorities expressed optimism that the outcomes of the exercise would enhance operational preparedness across various theatres of operation nationwide.
