Nigerian Army Crowned Africa’s No. 1 Terror-Fighting Force

The Nigerian Army has been recognised as Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch, a continental honour acknowledging its operational achievements, strategic leadership and sustained efforts in combating terrorism and violent extremism.

The award was presented to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday by Major General Teriworie Gagariga, who had earlier received it on behalf of the Nigerian Army during the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony in Banjul, The Gambia.

According to African Security Watch, the Nigerian Army earned the recognition for its outstanding performance in coordinated joint operations, intelligence-driven campaigns, effective civil-military cooperation, force development and capacity building, which have significantly weakened terrorist organisations and enhanced national and regional security.

The organisation added that the Nigerian Army has established itself as “a benchmark for professional excellence and operational effectiveness in counter-terrorism across Africa.”

Receiving the award, Shaibu described the recognition as a testament to the courage, professionalism and resilience of officers and soldiers serving across various theatres of operation.

“This honour is a proud recognition of the extraordinary courage, professionalism, resilience and unwavering dedication of Nigerian Army officers and soldiers who continue to make immense sacrifices in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the protection of its citizens,” he said.

He added that the award validates the effectiveness of the Army’s evolving counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategy and reinforces its position as a continental model for 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 their families.

“Their courage and selfless service continue to inspire the Nigerian Army’s determination to secure the nation and preserve peace for all Nigerians,” he said.

Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining its operational successes through enhanced intelligence-led operations, stronger joint and multi-agency collaboration, rigorous training, improved personnel welfare and the acquisition of modern capabilities.

He said the Nigerian Army would continue its transformation into a more professional, adaptive, combat-ready and resilient force capable of responding decisively to evolving security threats while contributing to regional peace and stability.

The recognition is the latest continental endorsement of the Nigerian Army’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, which have, in recent years, focused on intelligence-led missions and coordinated military offensives aimed at degrading terrorist networks, restoring security to affected communities and strengthening regional security cooperation.