The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu says the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army will largely depend on the quality of leadership provided by its commanders.
General Shaibu stated this in Kaduna at the opening of the Second Senior Command and Leadership Seminar 2026, held at Headquarters 1 Division, Nigerian Army.
The seminar, themed “Strategic Leadership for Effective Command in an Evolving Security Environment,” brought together senior commanders and other stakeholders to deliberate on contemporary security challenges.
The COAS mentioned that the seminar had become an important professional forum for senior Army leadership to reflect on the evolving demands of command, exchange operational experiences and strengthen leadership competencies.
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According to him, the changing character of warfare requires commanders to continuously learn, unlearn and relearn, while adapting leadership approaches to emerging realities.
“Although equipment, technology and force structure remain essential components of military capability, leadership ultimately determines how effectively such capabilities are employed,” he said.
The COAS identified terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational organised crime, cyber threats, disruptive technologies and information warfare as challenges reshaping military operations.
He therefore urged commanders to be intellectually agile, operationally innovative, morally courageous and capable of making sound decisions amid uncertainty.
“Strategic leadership goes beyond exercising authority, as it requires commanders to shape organisational culture, develop future leaders, anticipate change, preserve institutional credibility and align tactical actions with national objectives,” the COAS said.
General Shaibu also drew attention to the growing threat posed by misinformation and malign influence operations, saying adversaries could seek to undermine the military by eroding public confidence and distorting perceptions of its activities.
The COAS stressed the need for timely, accurate and credible communication, stating that military actions must remain professional, lawful, properly documented and capable of withstanding scrutiny.
He further emphasised discipline, respect for human rights, protection of civilians and strict adherence to rules of engagement, noting that tactical conduct could have strategic consequences.
The COAS charged senior commanders to transform the newly established formations into credible fighting organisations by enforcing high standards, developing leaders, promoting professionalism and building institutional resilience.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, said the seminar provided a robust platform for capacity building and strengthening the competencies of commanders at operational and strategic levels.
He disclosed that the Department of Army Training would continue to collaborate with corps, formations and training institutions to ensure realistic, progressive and mission-oriented training tailored to contemporary operational environments.
