Africa: Nigerian Army Named Africa's Best in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025

What the report says

AllAfrica, republishing a This Day report from Abuja dated 30 July 2026, said the Nigerian Army has been named Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch. The recognition was attributed to the army’s operational record, leadership and role in fighting terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria.

The report cited a statement from Acting Director of Army Public Relations Colonel Appolonia Anele, who said the award reflected sustained intelligence-led counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations. According to the statement, those efforts have weakened terrorist networks, helped restore security in affected communities and supported wider regional stability.

The award was presented at Army Headquarters in Abuja to Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu by Major General Teriworie Gagariga, who had received it earlier on the army’s behalf at the African Security Watch Awards Ceremony in Banjul, The Gambia. Shaibu described the honour as recognition of the courage and professionalism of Nigerian soldiers, and dedicated it to personnel killed in service and to their families.

The report framed the award as a boost to the Nigerian Army’s continental standing and its counter-insurgency model. Shaibu said the army would continue pursuing intelligence-led operations, joint and multi-agency cooperation, training, personnel welfare and improved capabilities. The article was based on the army’s public statement and did not include independent assessment of the award criteria or battlefield outcomes.