The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, NAM, has said that his Command Philosophy has recorded tremendous improvement in logistics, sustainment, maintenance, and equipment systems which ensures enduring operational capabilities.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations , HQ ICC said he made the assertion while declaring open the Field-Test of Prototypes in JAJI Military Cantonment Range, Kaduna State from 5 – 8 October, 2026.
Lieutenant General Shaibu, noted that the exercise marks a significant transition from display of innovative ideas to the practical assessment of selected prototypes within realistic field conditions. He said, “the Nigerian Army (NA) recognises that indigenous research, and technological innovation, are essential to closing capability gaps, strengthening equipment support systems, and reducing dependence on external sources.” He noted that the Field-Test of Prototypes aims at determining the functionality, operational effectiveness, and ensuring that other attributes of the prototypes are met and guaranteed for military employment.
The Army Chief, who was represented by Commander, Infantry Corps, Major General GM Mutkut, further said he expects the exercise to transcend routine demonstration of prototypes, and translate into more reliable, and fewer operational deficiencies, improved indigenous capabilities, as well as effective delivery of technological solutions. He urged the assessment team to ensure that professionalism and objectivity are not compromised in order to guarantee dependable results.
The COAS, profoundly expressed gratitude and appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his strategic guidance and steadfast support to the Nigerian Army.
Speaking earlier during his welcome address, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (COTI) – Army, Major General POA Okoye, said the exercise remains a significant milestone in the NA’s efforts at strengthening Research and Development (R&D), Innovation and indigenous capability. He added that the field-test was necessary to address identified operational challenges, and make relevant adjustments for better results.
The COTI (A), further said that the exercise provides end-users the opportunity to interact with the prototypes and provide relevant operational feedback; which he said, would enhance development and redefinement.
He urged researchers and evaluators to remain objective, and provide accurate assessment that would aid in making informed decisions.
Highlights of overview in line with the Field-Test of Prototypes, was articulated by the Deputy COTI, Brig Gen HI Dasuki. He said that militaries around the globe have some degree of self sufficiency in the production of military hardwares. He stated that military and civilian entities in R&D could seize the opportunity to enhance their knowledge.
The week long Field-Test of Prototypes featured indigenous military hardware products from Nigerian Defence Academy Cinocri, NA Signals Maintenance Command, NA Engineers, NA Corps of Supply and Transport, NA College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, and NA College of Environmental Science and Technology. Other indigenous military hardware products were tested by PRIMETEK Multi-business Solutions, PROFORCE Ltd, Tera Haptic Industries, and Dicon Gray Insignia. Similarly, the Field-Test of Prototypes for indigenous military software products was conducted at the NA Space Command, Giri-Abuja.
Corps Commanders, Commandants of NA institutions, senior military officers serving and retired were in attendance.
