A coalition of civil society organisations under the banner of Nigeria Integrity Watch (NIW) has praised the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for implementing welfare-focused reforms which it says have boosted troop morale and enhanced the Nigerian Army’s effectiveness in combating terrorism and other security challenges.
The coalition, in a statement signed by its national convener, Dr John Samuel Nangi, described the Army’s “Soldier-First” policy as a significant policy shift that has addressed longstanding welfare concerns among military personnel and strengthened operational readiness nationwide.
According to the group, some of the key reforms introduced under the leadership COAS include implementing a ₦100,000 baseline monthly salary adjustment for personnel and expanding post-retirement housing programmes to improve the welfare and future security of serving and retired soldiers.
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The coalition noted that prioritising the welfare of military personnel has resulted in increased motivation, professionalism, and improved operational performance in the fight against insurgents and other criminal elements.
It particularly commended the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) initiative, describing it as a landmark intervention designed to provide decent accommodation for soldiers after retirement.
The group cited the commissioning of an 80-unit AHOOAS estate at Maxwell Kobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau, where five per cent of the housing units were reportedly allocated free of charge to soldiers wounded in action.
It also referenced the inauguration of a 60-unit residential estate and shopping complex at Akobo Cantonment in Ibadan, Oyo, as well as the completion of housing projects at Ribadu Cantonment in Kaduna State, noting that similar developments are ongoing in other military formations nationwide.
“For decades, uncertainty over life after service weighed heavily on many Nigerian soldiers. By prioritising housing and ensuring that wounded personnel are adequately catered for, Lieutenant General Shaibu is restoring confidence and dignity within the ranks. These reforms represent a strategic investment in national security rather than mere welfare programmes,” the coalition said.
The civil society groups further attributed recent military successes to the implementation of the Army’s PROSE Command Philosophy, which stands for Professionalism, Readiness, Operational Efficiency, Soldier Welfare, and Ethical Civil-Military Relations.
According to the coalition, the philosophy has strengthened discipline, improved operational coordination, and enhanced relations between the military and host communities, thereby creating an enabling environment for intelligence gathering and successful operations.
The group pointed to recent operations in the North-East, where troops reportedly dismantled terrorist logistics networks and uncovered the involvement of foreign nationals allegedly supporting insurgent activities.
It added that such operations had dealt significant blows to transnational terrorist groups operating within the Lake Chad Basin region.
Nigeria Integrity Watch also commended the Nigerian Army for its role in the rescue of 44 pupils, students, and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as evidence of improved tactical coordination and professionalism among troops.
While applauding the Army’s achievements, the coalition stressed that sustainable peace and security require continued collaboration between security agencies and citizens.
It urged Nigerians to support ongoing military operations by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of preventing attacks and disrupting criminal networks.
“The progress being recorded in the North-East, Oyo State and other parts of the country demonstrates what can be achieved through visionary leadership, improved troop welfare and sound operational strategy. However, security remains a collective responsibility. We therefore call on citizens, community leaders and civil society organisations to continue working closely with the Armed Forces to defeat terrorism and safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty,” the statement added.