The two main events that happened on December 18, 2025, demonstrate that Nigeria will make substantial adjustments to its anti-terrorism system through recalibration. The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) issued a strong warning about media carelessness because it might endanger security operations. Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who serves as Nigerian Army Chief of Army Staff (COAS), presented an extensive reform plan that focuses on troop welfare and military technology advancement, and practical training methods.
The combination of these actions demonstrates a major shift in military operations because Nigeria actively responds to current security threats while developing its plans for counterterrorism communication and implementation and long-term defense strategies. The delicate balance between operational secrecy and public trust and organizational transformation becomes essential because of ongoing social disturbances and criminal activities, and international terrorist attacks.
COAS General Shaibu Announces Comprehensive Reforms in Training, Operations and Welfare of Nigerian Army
— UNCLE DEJI™️ (@DejiAdesogan) December 18, 2025
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has announced far-reaching reforms in the training, operations, administration and welfare of the Nigerian Army, aimed… pic.twitter.com/aCYPq79Nvc
The information battlefield: NCTC pushes back on risky narratives
The NCTC intervened after media reports on security operations in the forest areas of Kwara State. The Center considered the reports erroneous and possibly dangerous. The Center warned that caution is necessary when it comes to speculative or poorly sourced reporting, as such could put the troops in danger and leak sensitive operational information. This was communicated in a statement by Abu Michael, Head of Strategic Communications at the NCTC.
The National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) operates through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, requires NCTC to lead intelligence and military and law enforcement coordination efforts. The Center stated that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations depend on the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), which uses a security model that combines military forces with approved auxiliary units.
The NCTC issued a fundamental denial about social groups receiving weapons or participating in combat operations after recent rumors spread.
The NCTC highlighted the success of hybrid approaches through the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the Northeast because local volunteers from the community have helped decrease Boko Haram’s operational strength. The North West and North Central regions use similar systems, which operate in difficult environments such as forests because local knowledge proves vital for success. The Center made it clear, though, that all auxiliary personnel are hired directly by authorized security agencies after conducting due diligence and adhering strictly to established rules of engagement and the law.
Laka, who made the call at the @nctconsa End-of-Year Media Briefing in Abuja, praised journalists’ professionalism but cautioned against publishing intelligence-related information. He stressed that responsible journalism complements national security.#NCTC #MediaResponsibility
— Voice of Nigeria (@voiceofnigeria) December 24, 2025
The underlying message was clear: counterterrorism operations cannot afford narrative chaos, even though transparency is still crucial.
Reforming the force: The army’s strategic pivot
The Nigerian Army turned inward and revealed what may prove to be one of its most significant reform agendas in years, while the NCTC concentrated on controlling the information space.
Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu presented a thorough plan to restructure the Army’s training philosophy, bring it into line with contemporary warfare realities, and give soldier welfare top priority as a fundamental operational enabler during his speech at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 closing ceremony.
Realism is at the core of Shaibu’s vision. He declared that the Department of Training at Army Headquarters would oversee a comprehensive evaluation of training programs in all Nigerian Army schools. The objective is to replace generic doctrines with mission-specific, threat-driven training that is suited to Nigeria’s intricate internal security issues.
“Realistic training directly influences operational outcomes,” Shaibu stated, signalling a shift toward outcome-based preparedness rather than ceremonial proficiency.
Adapting to evolving threats
The conference briefings presented a dark view of Nigeria’s security state. The security landscape becomes more complex because armed bandit groups transform their tactics while regional instability continues to spread across borders. The nature of warfare undergoes transformation because the Army needs to advance its intelligence and surveillance, reconnaissance, and cyber operations capabilities, according to Shaibu.
The military assigned Special Forces and Army Aviation particular significance because these units have become essential for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations. The military now requires precision targeting and real-time intelligence, and fast deployment as mandatory operational necessities instead of optional choices.
Shaibu’s comments imply that the Army is becoming more conscious of the fact that data, technology, and flexibility will be just as important to future successes as manpower.
Welfare as a force multiplier
Shaibu’s assertion that combat effectiveness and troop welfare are inextricably linked was perhaps the most startling. The COAS promised to confront the persistent lack of housing in Nigerian Army barracks, which has long lowered morale.
Troop welfare is a central pillar of my leadership."
— Unfiltered Reporting (@Unfitered_media) December 20, 2025
COAS Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu has ordered the immediate acceleration of all residential housing projects across Nigerian Army barracks nationwide! pic.twitter.com/NSdnavG8xd
While new housing developments will start across divisions and barracks nationwide, all ongoing residential projects must be finished and assigned. A comprehensive renovation program aims to enhance current facilities in the interim.
In addition to reiterating his dedication to post-service housing security, Shaibu argued that retirement shouldn’t result in uncertainty for those who have served the country.
His upcoming visit to Ibadan for the commissioning of the Affordable Home Ownership Option (AHOO) project underscores a longer-term vision: sustaining military professionalism by ensuring dignity in both service and retirement.
Political backing and civil-military confidence
Shaibu thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent political backing, especially with regard to the purchase of military hardware and software. Political leadership and military command must be in sync, particularly since reforms need steady funding, support from policymakers, and public trust.
NCTC has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s formal classification of bandits, armed non-state actors, and other criminal gangs as terrorists as a significant and transformative shift in Nigeria’s national security policy.https://t.co/l2smek1Pd9
— The Guardian Nigeria (@GuardianNigeria) December 24, 2025
Observers point out that institutional trust—between the military, the media, and the civilian populace—will be just as important to Nigeria’s counterterrorism success as tactical victories.
The twin events that occurred in Nigeria on December 18 suggest a strategic reset as opposed to a short-term solution. While the Army’s reform agenda reflects a sober understanding of changing threats and internal weaknesses, the NCTC’s call for responsible reporting acknowledges the power of narratives in contemporary conflict.
There are still many obstacles to overcome. However, Nigeria seems determined to create a counterterrorism framework that is both strong and resilient by tightening information discipline, updating training, and putting soldier welfare first.
Nigeria’s recalibration may determine whether it just survives its challenges or eventually starts to outpace them in a security environment where mistakes—on the battlefield or in the headlines—can prove fatal.
