Shettima, Sanwo-Olu, defence minister attend COAS annual conference 2025

Abuja, Nigeria — 2025

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), and several retired military chiefs were among top dignitaries at the 2025 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference.

The high-level gathering brought together serving and retired senior military officers, government officials and security stakeholders to deliberate on Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and strategies for strengthening national defence.

Speaking at the conference, participants underscored the need for enhanced inter-agency collaboration, sustained investment in troop welfare, intelligence-led operations, and the adoption of modern technology to counter emerging threats. The conference also served as a platform to review ongoing reforms within the Nigerian Army and align operational priorities with national security objectives.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the military for its sacrifices in safeguarding lives and property, noting that peace and stability remain critical to economic growth and national development. Vice President Shettima, in his remarks, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the armed forces through policy, funding and capacity building.
Retired service chiefs and defence experts at the event shared insights drawn from past operations, offering strategic perspectives to guide current leadership in addressing insecurity across the country.

The COAS Annual Conference remains a key forum for strategic reflection and coordination, reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s role in maintaining national security amid complex and dynamic threats.