The Nigerian Army received recognition as Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025. African Security Watch conferred the honour. Officials presented the award on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, at Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Major General Teriworie Gagariga handed the award to Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. Gagariga had earlier collected it on behalf of the Nigerian Army at the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony in Banjul, The Gambia.
African Security Watch cited the Nigerian Army’s exceptional operational achievements, strategic leadership and commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism.
The organisation stated that the recognition reflected sustained, intelligence-driven operations. These efforts degraded terrorist networks, restored security to affected communities and supported regional peace and stability.
According to African Security Watch, the Nigerian Army earned the award through coordinated joint operations, intelligence driven campaigns, effective civil military cooperation, force development and capacity building.
The organisation further observed that the Nigerian Army established itself as a benchmark for professional excellence and operational effectiveness in counter-terrorism across Africa.
Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, issued a statement on 29 July 2026. The statement described the award as a major continental milestone. It noted that the honour underscored the Nigerian Army’s emergence as Africa’s leading force in Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Operations.
The presentation occurred after the awards ceremony in Banjul. Major General Teriworie Gagariga represented the army at that event before bringing the award to Abuja. The statement confirmed the formal handover to Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu at Army Headquarters.
African Security Watch based its decision on the army’s record of weakening terrorist organisations and enhancing national and regional security. The recognition covered performance in 2025.
