Nigerian Army Named Africa’s Best in Counter-Terrorism Operations
The Nigerian Army has been recognised as Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025, in a continental award highlighting its efforts against terrorism and violent extremism.
The honour was conferred by African Security Watch, a security-focused organisation that cited the Nigerian Army’s operational achievements, strategic leadership and sustained counter-terrorism efforts.
The award was formally presented to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at Army Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Major General Teriworie Gagariga, who had received the award on behalf of the Nigerian Army at the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony in Banjul, The Gambia, formally presented it to Shaibu.
The recognition comes as Nigerian troops continue operations against terrorist and insurgent groups, particularly in the country’s northeast, while also confronting banditry and other security threats in different regions.
Nigeria has for more than a decade been at the centre of the fight against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The military has conducted sustained counter-insurgency operations in Borno, Yobe and other parts of the northeast, including operations aimed at disrupting terrorist camps and supply networks.
In June, Nigerian troops reportedly destroyed terrorist camps in the Sambisa Forest and Gwoza areas of Borno State, forcing ISWAP fighters to withdraw as military forces advanced.
The award also comes at a time when the Nigerian government is expanding the country’s military capacity. President Bola Tinubu recently approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel. The expansion is intended to strengthen the military’s response to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other security challenges.
The Nigerian Army has also continued specialised training for troops preparing for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations. In January, the Nigerian Army Training Centre launched Exercise FAST BOLT IV, a training programme designed to improve soldiers’ readiness to respond to contemporary security challenges.
Despite the recognition, Nigeria continues to face significant security challenges. Terrorist attacks, kidnappings and armed banditry remain persistent problems in parts of the country, while the military continues to operate across multiple theatres.
The award also underscores Nigeria’s continued importance in African security cooperation, particularly in the fight against jihadist groups operating across the Lake Chad Basin and wider West African region.
