The Nigerian Army has been named Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 by African Security Watch. The organisation said it recognised the Army for its achievements in combating terrorism and violent extremism across the continent.
Maj.-Gen. Teriworie Gagariga received the award on behalf of the Army during the 19th African Security Watch Awards in Banjul, The Gambia. The honour was later presented to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
COAS dedicates honour to fallen personnel
Shaibu described the award as a tribute to the courage, professionalism and resilience of officers and soldiers engaged in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
He dedicated the honour to personnel who lost their lives while serving the country. The Army chief also acknowledged the sacrifices made by their families. According to Shaibu, the Army will continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations and deepen cooperation with other security agencies.
He also pledged sustained investment in personnel training, welfare and modern military capabilities. The COAS said the Army would remain professional, adaptive and combat-ready. He added that the force would continue supporting peace and stability in Nigeria and across the region.
Organisation explains award
African Security Watch said the Army earned the recognition through coordinated joint operations and intelligence-driven campaigns.
The organisation also cited civil-military cooperation, force development and capacity-building efforts. It said those initiatives had weakened terrorist groups and strengthened national and regional security.
AIG Jimoh receives continental recognition
Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Olohundare Jimoh, also received a continental honour. African Security Watch named him the Most Outstanding Anti-Crime Police Chief in West and Central Africa for 2025.
The organisation recognised his policing strategies during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos State. Jimoh did not attend the awards ceremony in Banjul. He later received the award at the Zone 2 Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos.
He said the recognition reflected the dedication of officers under his command. Jimoh also thanked Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu for providing leadership and operational strategies that strengthened security in Lagos and Ogun states.
According to the senior police officer, community support and effective policing contributed to the peaceful conduct of the recent local government elections across Lagos State. He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting lives and property. The AIG also pledged continued efforts to prevent crime and improve criminal investigations.
Africa urged to adopt home-grown security solutions
International Coordinator of the Security Watch Africa Initiative, Patrick Apambu, urged African countries to develop local solutions to security challenges instead of relying on external interventions.
According to Apambu, many African countries face similar security threats that require coordinated responses. He said the organisation’s biennial conference develops recommendations for ECOWAS, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union.
This year’s conference, he added, examined how global geopolitical competition affects Africa through food insecurity, underdevelopment, unemployment and migration.
Apambu also expressed concern over porous borders and weak border management. He said both continue to undermine security across the continent.
The international coordinator described Jimoh as a disciplined and professional police officer. He said the AIG’s leadership, including his management of the Lagos local government elections, made him deserving of the continental recognition.
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