The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday charged senior Nigerian Army commanders to sharpen their strategic foresight, professional competence and exemplary leadership to enable them effectively confront the nation’s increasingly complex security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu,
gave the charge while declaring open the Second Senior Command and Leadership Seminar 2026 with the theme, “Strategic Leadership for Effective Command in an Evolving Security Environment,” at Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna.
A statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations disclosed that Lieutenant General Shaibu maintained that contemporaries threats, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational organised crime, cyber threats, disruptive technologies and information warfare, are rapidly reshaping the operational environment and demanding greater intellectual agility and innovation from commanders.
COAS specifically warned that misinformation, deliberate distortion and manipulation of public perception are increasingly being used by adversaries to undermine the credibility of the military and erode public confidence.
He therefore urged commanders to incorporate the information environment into campaign design, operational planning and military activities.
General Shaibu stressed that professional conduct remains central to the Army’s legitimacy, warning that effective strategic communication cannot compensate for indiscipline or unprofessional conduct by troops.
He directed commanders to enforce strict adherence to Rules of Engagement, respect for human rights, civilian protection and accountability.
Speaking on the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s force structure from eight to 12 divisions, Shaibu described the development as both an opportunity and a significant leadership responsibility.
COAS said commanders must transform the newly established formations into cohesive, credible and combat ready organisations capable of effectively responding to emerging threats.
He further challenged participants to translate lessons from the seminar into practical improvements in command, campaign planning, operational effectiveness, mentorship and institutional performance.
It is essential, he stressed that commanders must build cohesive teams, develop future leaders, empower subordinates and deepen engagement with communities and legitimate stakeholders.
The COAS commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the Nigerian Army, particularly in personnel welfare, operational capability development and institutional transformation.
He said the recent approval for the expansion of the Army’s force structure demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, described the seminar as an important capacity building platform for strengthening commanders at the operational and strategic levels.
Also speaking the GOC 1 Division, Major General Abubakar Wase, also said the changing character of warfare and rapid technological advancement demand resolute, ethical leadership and strategic foresight.
Participants were urged to ensure that the seminar produces practical outcomes capable of strengthening formations, improving decision making and enhancing the overall operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.