CAT Week 2026: COAS advocates drone warfare integration, combat aviation expansion

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for the full integration of drone warfare and combat aviation into the Nigerian Army’s operational and training architecture to enhance combat effectiveness in contemporary battlespaces.
Shaibu made the call at the closing ceremony of the Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week 2026 held at the Jaji Military Cantonment , Kaduna State, on Thursday.
The COAS said modern warfare had become increasingly complex, multidimensional and technology-driven, requiring the Army to evolve beyond traditional manoeuvre concepts.
He stressed that combat aviation and unmanned aerial systems had become indispensable enablers in modern warfare, adding that the integration of drone warfare into training curricula and field formations was imperative.
“To prepare our soldiers for future conflicts, we must institutionalise UAV training across all relevant levels and ensure our personnel are proficient in both the employment and counter measures of these systems,” he said.
The army chief disclosed that the Defence Headquarters had directed the incorporation of drone platoons into Infantry manoeuvre companies.

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According to him, deliberate steps would be taken to amend the Nigerian Army Order of Battle 2023 to accommodate the initiative and ensure its seamless integration into the force structure.
Shaibu further advocated the formal inclusion of combat aviation as a core component of the combat arms framework.
He said the establishment and growth of Army Aviation capability would significantly enhance operational flexibility, responsiveness and combat depth.
“The future lies in the seamless synchronisation of infantry, armour and aviation manoeuvre elements across all operational environments.
“This triad, properly trained and effectively coordinated, will provide the Nigerian Army with a decisive edge in both conventional and asymmetric engagements,” he said.
The COAS, however, emphasised that technology alone could not win wars, noting that trained, disciplined and adaptive soldiers remained the most critical element in military success.
He reiterated the need for realistic, mission-oriented and forward-looking training while investing in personnel development, doctrinal refinement and innovation.
Shaibu noted that the theme of the training week, “Building Troops’ Resilience for Counter Terrorism Campaigns,” aligned with the Army’s commitment to strengthening troops’ perseverance, adaptability and mission accomplishment.
He said recent successes recorded in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the country demonstrated the impact of effective leadership and resilient troops.
The COAS also commended the conduct of a combined Infantry and Armour manoeuvre exercise in a simulated combat environment during the training week, describing it as a reflection of the Army’s commitment to realistic training.
He listed other recent mission-specific training activities to include the Advanced Infantry Training at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kachia, Special Operations Training at Kontagora, as well as programmes at the Special Forces School, Doma, and the Nigerian Army School of Infantry.
Shaibu assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to deepen joint operations with sister services and strengthen inter-agency collaboration in addressing emerging security threats.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army.
Earlier, the Commander Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, said the training week provided an important platform for professional engagement, doctrinal review and operational reflection among participants.
Mutkut said discussions during the event highlighted the need for the Army to continually adapt to evolving operational realities through innovation, combat readiness and integrated force application.
He noted that the inclusion of drone warfare, electronic warfare capabilities and combat aviation in future operations would improve operational mobility, precision engagement and combat reach.
The commander also stressed the importance of troop welfare, morale and psychological well-being in sustaining combat effectiveness.
According to him, troops that are well-trained, motivated, equipped and effectively led would remain capable of overcoming operational challenges and achieving mission success.
He urged commanders and participants to translate lessons from the training week into actionable operational strategies capable of enhancing combat effectiveness across formations and units.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured combined arms and firepower demonstrations as well as a pull-out ceremony in honour of retired senior Infantry officers.

(NAN)

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