The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, announced that the Nigerian Army has trained 14,000 of the 28,000 additional soldiers approved by President Muhammadu Buhari as part of the ongoing anti-terrorism efforts. He reported that troops have neutralised and arrested 1,877 terrorists and have deployed armed drones and locally made combat vehicles. Additionally, rescue efforts for abducted pupils in Oyo are reportedly making progress.

The Nigerian security forces have arrested over 17,000 suspected terrorists from 2023 to 2025, with around 2,000 tried and approximately 700 convicted. In the first half of 2026, the Federal Government secured 865 convictions under its mass trial programme. Records indicate that 11,623 suspected terrorists were apprehended during various operations.

According to ThisDay Live, troops in Nigeria conducted 14,221 security operations over a six-month period, resulting in the elimination of 1,597 criminals and the rescue of 1,516 hostages. These operations involved coordinated land, air, and maritime missions targeting various threats including terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and arms traffickers.

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, emphasized the need for an AI-driven security strategy to address the increasingly complex security environment in Nigeria. He called for innovative approaches and stronger collaboration to effectively tackle evolving threats, according to Channels TV.

Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has reiterated the Nigerian Army's dedication to safeguarding Nigeria's sovereignty and addressing new security challenges. This statement was made during the NADCEL 2026 event, emphasizing the Army's preparedness to confront emerging threats.

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration among African military forces to address terrorism, insurgency, and other transnational security challenges. His remarks were made during the Third African Land Forces Forum in Port Harcourt, highlighting the urgency of united efforts in tackling these pressing issues on the continent.