The Nigerian Army is placing greater emphasis on the intellectual and adaptive capabilities of tactical-level leaders as it prepares personnel to operate in a security environment where physical courage and tactical competence alone are no longer sufficient.
Desk: Defence & Security
Date: 18 September 2026
Time: 11:54 WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Authior: Nokai Origin
The position formed the central message at the graduation of Leadership Skills Development Course 16/26 at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, where 59 Lieutenant Colonels and below completed a two-week programme focused on critical thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptive leadership, decision-making and coordination in joint and multi-agency operations.
The Chief of Training Army, Major General Valentine Okoro, represented by the Deputy Chief of Training Army, Major General Abdulmoshood Shonibare, said the training was consistent with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to advance the Nigerian Army as a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
Leadership beyond tactical brilliance
The course was framed around a changing operational reality in which commanders at the tactical level are expected not only to lead troops, but also to interpret complex situations, make sound decisions and coordinate effectively across institutional boundaries.
“Our country is currently being confronted by myriads of security challenges, which are complex and demand more than physical courage and tactical brilliance,” the Chief of Training Army stated.
He identified emotional intelligence, critical thinking, quality of thought and adaptive leadership as necessary capabilities for navigating the different phases of contemporary operations.
Such requirements were reflected in the course structure, which covered leadership and its critical variables, conflict management, teamwork and team building, coaching and mentoring, emotional intelligence, military justice, leadership in peace and war, customs and ethics, and inter-agency cooperation.
From classroom knowledge to field leadership
Major General Okoro said the value of the programme would ultimately depend on how the participants translated what they had learned into leadership practice after returning to their formations and units.
“Today's ceremony should not be seen as an end, but as a significant step in your journey of leadership development,” he said.
The expectation, he added, is for the graduates to become change agents who would transfer the knowledge acquired during the course to colleagues who did not have the opportunity to participate.
The course therefore extends beyond individual professional development. Its stated purpose was to help bridge leadership gaps within the system and improve adaptive and innovative leadership for better outcomes in an evolving security environment.
59 officers complete the programme
Presenting the course highlights, the Acting Director, Leadership Development Institute and Course Coordinator, Colonel Cyril Y. Ofuromazi, said the 59 participants assembled on 6 September 2026 for the programme.
The course was designed for Lieutenant Colonels and below across Nigerian Army formations and units, with emphasis on leadership skills required to operate in joint and multi-agency environments.
Its objectives included strengthening creativity and critical thinking, developing adaptable leadership, improving emotional intelligence and sound decision-making, promoting coaching and mentoring, strengthening leadership values and competence, and building capacity for joint and multi-agency operations.
The programme also included instruction on the norms of the justice system, Nigerian Army customs, ethics and traditions, as well as the principles of effective parenting and challenges associated with parenting among mobile military professionals.
Participants were assessed through a table-top exercise to determine their understanding of the course content and eligibility for certification. A course critique was also conducted, allowing participants to identify areas for improvement in subsequent programmes.
Colonel Ofuromazi reported that all 59 participants performed credibly and were found worthy in character and learning to receive the Nigerian Army Resource Centre certificate for successful completion of Leadership Skills Development Course 16/26.
NARC's role in developing tactical leadership
Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, retired Major General James Myam, linked the programme to the practical demands confronting tactical commanders in contemporary operations, administration and logistics.
He highlighted critical thinking, emotional intelligence, mentorship, team building and coaching as essential leadership capabilities capable of improving decision-making during battles and other engagements.
The Centre expects the graduates to apply their new knowledge within their respective work environments and subsequently train personnel who were not part of the programme.
For the Resource Centre, the investment in leadership development is therefore tied directly to the Army's continuing effort to build capable leaders who can manage increasingly complex responsibilities at the tactical level.
Graduates take the responsibility forward
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Lieutenant Colonel Y.U. Gabarin said the officers had been exposed to emotional intelligence, critical thinking and decision-making, leadership styles, inter-agency cooperation and the rule of law during the two-week programme.
He pledged that the knowledge acquired would be applied in their future responsibilities.
“To whom much is given, much is equally expected,” Gabarin said, pledging that the participants would put the knowledge gained to use as good ambassadors of the Centre.
The graduation thus closed the 2026 programme with the 59 officers returning to their formations with a specific expectation from the Army and the Resource Centre: that leadership development gained in the classroom should translate into stronger judgement, coordination and adaptive leadership in the field.
🏷️ Tags: Nigerian Army, Leadership Development, Tactical Command, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Critical Thinking, Joint Operations
#ZigOriginals #ZigDiariesDefence #NigerianArmy #LeadershipDevelopment #TacticalLeadership #NARC #JointOperations
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