The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged senior commanders of the Nigerian Army to demonstrate strategic foresight, professional competence and exemplary leadership in confronting the increasingly complex security challenges facing the nation.
Desk: Defence & Security
Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Time: 12:45 WAT
Location: Kaduna, Nigeria
The COAS gave the charge on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, while declaring open the Second Senior Command and Leadership Seminar 2026 at Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna.
The seminar, themed “Strategic Leadership for Effective Command in an Evolving Security Environment,” brings together senior commanders and resource persons to strengthen leadership capacity, exchange operational experiences and develop practical approaches to contemporary command challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational organised crime, cyber threats, disruptive technologies and information warfare continue to reshape the contemporary operating environment.
A statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele said the COAS urged commanders to remain intellectually agile, operationally innovative and morally courageous while exercising sound judgement in conditions of uncertainty.
The COAS particularly underscored the growing importance of the information environment, warning that adversaries and other malign actors increasingly employ misinformation, deliberate distortion and manipulation of public perception to undermine military credibility and erode public confidence.
He stressed that commanders must factor the information environment into campaign design, operational planning and the conduct of activities, while ensuring that operational decisions are supported by timely, accurate and credible communication.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further emphasised that professional conduct remains fundamental to protecting the reputation and legitimacy of the Nigerian Army. He directed commanders to enforce strict adherence to Rules of Engagement, respect for human rights, protection of civilians and accountability at all levels, noting that the actions of troops can have consequences far beyond the immediate theatre of operations.
Speaking on the recent expansion of the Nigerian Army’s force structure from eight to twelve divisions, the COAS described the development as both an opportunity and a major leadership responsibility. He stressed that the expansion goes beyond increasing manpower and equipment, requiring senior commanders to transform newly established formations into cohesive, credible and combat-ready fighting organisations.
He urged participants to translate lessons from the seminar into tangible improvements in command, campaign planning, operational effectiveness, mentorship and institutional performance. He also encouraged commanders to build cohesive teams, develop successors, empower subordinates, promote innovation and deepen engagement with communities and legitimate stakeholders within their Areas of Responsibility.
While declaring the seminar open, Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army, particularly in personnel welfare, operational capability development and institutional transformation.
He noted that the recent approval for the expansion of the Army’s force structure further demonstrates the President’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, described the seminar as a critical capacity-building platform for strengthening the competencies of commanders at the operational and strategic levels.
He stated that realistic, progressive and mission-oriented training remains central to developing a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
In his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar Wase, described the seminar as timely, noting that the changing character of warfare, asymmetric threats and rapid integration of technology demand resolute ethical leadership and strategic foresight.
Participants were charged to ensure that deliberations at the seminar produce practical outcomes capable of strengthening formations, improving decision-making and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
🏷️ Tags: Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Senior Command and Leadership Seminar, Strategic Leadership, Information Environment, Information Warfare, Military Leadership, Army Transformation, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Operational Effectiveness, National Security
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