Expanded army formations require improved combat service support to function effectively – COAS
Lagos, Aug.17, 2026
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu has said that Combat Service Support Corps must prepare to support a larger force following the recent expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure and the establishment of additional divisions, formations and units.
Shaibu said this at the 27th Combat Service Support Training Week holding from Aug.17 to Aug.21 at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Abalti Barracks, Ojuelegba, Lagos State.
Shaibu was represented by Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Adeyinka, Chief of Logistics, Nigeria Army.
The COAS said that the theme for the training week: “Developing an Adaptable and Agile Combat Service Support Corps for Proactive and Sustainable Support to the Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,” was timely and closely aligned with the operational readiness pillar of his command philosophy.
“Over the years, this forum has remained an important professional platform for the Combat Service Support Corps to assess readiness, interrogate emerging sustainment challenges, draw lessons from operations and develop practical solutions that enhance the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
“Contemporary operations have repeatedly demonstrated that combat power is sustained not by fighting forces alone, but by the effectiveness of the logistics and support architecture behind them.
“Operatonal tempo, force sustainment and mission success depend on the timely provision of ammuniton, fuel, mobility, medical support, maintenance, engineering services, infrastructure and other essental resources,” he said.
Shaibu said that the new formations would significantly improve force disposition, operational reach and responsiveness to the country’s security challenges.
He, however noted that their effectiveness would ultimately depend on the robustness of the sustainment systems that support them.
“New formations without corresponding logistics capability will merely increase structure without producing the required operational effect.
“Consequently, this will require innovative approaches to supply chain management, transportation, equipment recovery and maintenance, medical support, infrastructure development, ammunition management, fuel distribution and forward logistics support.
“It will also demand greater use of technology, improved forecasting, enhanced data-driven planning and more resilient supply networks capable of operating under contested and difficult conditions,” he said.
The COAS said that the training would critically examine the sustainment demands of the expanded Nigerian Army and produce practical recommendations for supporting the newly established divisions from inception through full operational capability.
“Particular attention should be given to how logistics assets, maintenance facilities, medical services, transport resources and supply systems can be scaled and distributed to ensure that these formations become sustainable fighting organisations,” he said.
Shaibu said that logistics remained one of the decisive determinants of operational success.
“Sound strategy and superior tactics will amount to little if troops cannot be sustained at the point of need.
“Our evolving security environment is characterised by terrorism, insurgency, banditry, difficult terrain, extended lines of communication and increasingly sophisticated threats.
“This requires a Combat Service Support system that is agile, anticipatory and capable of supporting prolonged operations across multiple theatres simultaneously,” he said.
The COAS said the training would generate clear and implementable recommendations that strengthen logistic architecture, improve equipment availability, reduce response time and enhance the resilience of supply chains.
“I assure you of my continued support for initiatives that strengthen the Nigerian Army’s logistics and sustainment capability.
“As we expand our force structure, we must simultaneously expand the institutional systems that sustain it.
“This will require deliberate investment in infrastructure, logistics platforms, maintenance capacity, technology, manpower development and efficent resource management,” he said.
Shaibu said that it was only through such a balanced approach that the Nigerian Army could achieve enduring readiness and successfully operationalise its newly established formations.
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his strategic direction and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.
“His recent approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army underscores his determination to strengthen our capacity to confront the country’s evolving security challenges.
“We remain deeply grateful for his continued interventions in personnel welfare, operational capability and institutional development,” the COAS said.
Shaibu reaffirmed the unwavering loyalty of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and their determination to continue to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism and dedication.
