By Our Reporter
Makurdi(Precise Post) — The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to digital transformation and the development of a “smart soldier” concept aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness across an increasingly complex security landscape.
Speaking on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at a seminar hosted by the Army Headquarters Department of Army Transformation and Innovation at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME) Officers’ Mess, Makurdi, the COAS said the Army is deliberately leveraging digital technology to build a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready force.
According to the statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations
NASME/NACEST, Makurdi, Lieutenant Nkuma Mba on Saturday, the Army chief, who was represented by the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, stressed that digital tools now extend well beyond traditional combat functions and are central to operations within a digitised battlespace.
He explained that harnessing emerging technologies aligns with his command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a resilient force capable of decisively fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
“The nature of evolving security threats requires a holistic approach,” he noted, identifying post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and drug or substance abuse as twin impediments to combat readiness.
The seminar, held at NASME Barracks in Makurdi, focused on digital transformation, the smart-soldier concept, PTSD, and drug abuse. It sought to deepen awareness of the Army’s digital drive, demonstrate how technology can sharpen operational effectiveness, and examine the impact of psychological and substance-related challenges on troops’ performance.
Earlier, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General Olusegun Abai, represented by Deputy Chief of Transformation Major General Ime Bassey, described the themes as timely and critical, given the psychological, physical and technological pressures of modern warfare.
He said the initiative reflects the COAS’s philosophy of placing the soldier at the centre of reform efforts—empowered by cutting-edge technology while protected against mental and physical threats.
According to him, the seminar was deliberately structured to address rising cases of PTSD and substance abuse through education, early intervention, counselling and strengthened support systems within the force.
Precise Post recalls that the event featured lectures by resource persons, interactive sessions, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs, underscoring what Army authorities described as their unwavering commitment to operational readiness and robust administration.
