The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged the Combat Support Arms of the Nigerian Army to sustain efforts aimed at building a self-reliant, capable and mission-focused force capable of effectively addressing contemporary security challenges.
The COAS gave the charge at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Combat Support Arms Training Week held from Tuesday 2 – 5 June 2026 at Ibom Hall, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Represented by the Chief of Personnel Management, Major General Adewale Adekeye, the COAS commended the Combat Support Arms for the significant progress recorded in innovation, research, practical problem-solving and the domestication of relevant technologies.
He noted that such initiatives reflect the Nigerian Army’s determination to strengthen operational effectiveness through indigenous capabilities and sustainable solutions tailored to the nation’s security realities.
Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized that the theme of the Training Week, “Strengthening Combat Support Arms Adaptability and Resilience through Indigenous Innovations for Integrated Operational Support within a Joint and Multi-Agency Framework,” aligns with his Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.
He urged participants to generate practical and solution-oriented outcomes capable of enhancing ongoing and future military operations.
Earlier, the Chief of Military Intelligence (Army), Major General Risku Hedima, welcomed participants and described the Combat Support Arms as critical enablers of operational success. He stated that the annual Training Week provides a platform to share field lessons, examine present demands and strengthen coordination across Corps.
Major General Hedima further stressed the importance of indigenous technological innovation in national defence, noting that locally developed solutions remain vital to enhancing adaptability, resilience and sustainability in Nigerian Army operations. He also commended the inclusion of students from reputable schools across Akwa Ibom State, describing them as future leaders and potential contributors to national development and security.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd), lauded the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity. He observed that modern military success depends not only on combat power but also on effective support systems, innovation and inter-agency cooperation.
The Governor described the Training Week theme as timely and strategic, emphasizing the need for indigenous innovations, stronger partnerships and institutional collaboration to address evolving security threats. He reiterated the commitment of the Akwa Ibom State Government to supporting initiatives that promote peace, professionalism and national development.
A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the keynote lecture delivered by Professor Okey Ikechukwu, mni, titled “Combat Support Arms and Indigenous Innovations for Sustainable Operational and Logistics Independence.” The event also featured a Research and Development Exhibition and Static Display showcasing innovative technologies and capabilities developed by the Combat Support Arms.
The event attracted critical stakeholders in the Science and Technology, as well as Research Development sectors, academia and students. The event concluded with a group photograph to formally mark the commencement of the week-long activities.
