The Nigerian Army (NA) has concluded a Transformational Leadership Seminar at Headquarters 8 Division, Sokoto, designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of frontline mid-level commanders and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs).
Zig Diaries | Defence & Capacity Building
Date: Wednesday, 29 October 2025
Time: 17:45 WAT
Location: 📍 Sokoto, Nigeria
According to a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the seminar sought to address command and leadership challenges, as well as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - key factors that directly affect troop readiness and operational effectiveness.
The seminar, themed “Transformational Leadership and Nigerian Army Operational Effectiveness in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,” brought together junior and mid-level commanders alongside SNCOs from various operational fronts who serve as the bridge between strategic directives and tactical execution. These officers form the backbone of ongoing security operations across the country.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), represented by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Major General Ibikunle Ajose, emphasized the pivotal role of these commanders in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
He noted that leadership at the frontlines remains indispensable to the success of Nigerian Army operations and, by extension, to national security.
“The seminar reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to equipping its commanders with the advanced skills to lead decisively, professionally, and ethically,” he said.
Major General Ajose further stressed that modern warfare demands leaders with character, commitment, and the ability to translate intelligence into swift, effective action. He commended the seminar’s focus on combating issues such as drug abuse and PTSD, which undermine combat readiness.
“Leadership is the cornerstone of combat power,” he added.
The seminar, organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation, aligns with the COAS’s vision to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force.
The Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General Mohammed Usman, represented by his deputy, highlighted the seminar’s role in fulfilling this vision.
“The Nigerian Army is deliberately investing in mid-level commanders to ensure they are prepared for the evolving challenges of today’s battlefield,” he said.
Participants benefited from intensive sessions led by seasoned resource persons, including former General Officer Commanding 8 Division and ex-Force Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force, Major General Jide Jeleel Ogunlade (rtd), and Lieutenant Colonel Susan Johnson Dibal (rtd). Presentations focused on building leadership capacity for junior and mid-cadre commanders and addressing the impact of PTSD on operational effectiveness.
Major General Usman urged participants to leverage the seminar as an opportunity to learn from experts, share experiences, and broaden their leadership perspective. He emphasized that their growth as leaders would directly enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational success in today’s complex joint environment.
The seminar underscores the Nigerian Army’s sustained commitment to professional development, prioritizing both tactical competence and the mental well-being of its personnel. By fostering a more agile and resilient force, the Army continues to strengthen its readiness to counter evolving threats to national security.
Fact-Check & Background Context:
- The seminar forms part of the Nigerian Army’s broader leadership and welfare initiative for officers operating in high-stress combat environments.
- PTSD has been increasingly recognised within the Nigerian military as a critical factor affecting operational performance, prompting renewed attention to mental health awareness and support.
- The Department of Transformation and Innovation is central to the COAS’s ongoing institutional reforms, focusing on leadership culture, ethics, and adaptive command structures.
- The 8 Division, headquartered in Sokoto, oversees key operations in Nigeria’s North West, where troops regularly engage in counter-banditry and stabilization missions.
🏷️ Tags: Nigerian Army, 8 Division, Leadership Development, PTSD, Defence Capacity Building, Ibikunle Ajose, Mohammed Usman, Army Transformation
#ZigDiariesDefence #Nigeria #ArmyLeadership #PTSD #NationalSecurity #ZigDiaries
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