Nigerian Army focuses on combat readiness and officer career transitions

The Nigerian Army is implementing new initiatives focused on both operational combat readiness and personnel welfare. At the conclusion of the 2026 Army Headquarters Garrison Combat Proficiency Competition in Abuja, Major General Kevin Ukandu urged young officers to adopt personal fitness and continuous training regimes to prepare for increasingly complex security challenges.

The competition aimed to enhance proficiency in essential skills such as navigation, weapon handling, combat swimming, and endurance. These efforts align with the command philosophy of Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu to develop a more professional and resilient force.

Simultaneously, the Army has launched the second cohort of the Senior Executive Career Transition Programme. This initiative is designed to support senior officers in transitioning to productive civilian careers following their military service. The program seeks to leverage the leadership and strategic expertise developed during military service for continued national development, ensuring officers are equipped with the knowledge and resilience needed for post-retirement life.