The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to eradicating banditry and tackling other security challenges facing the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, made this pledge during the opening of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) 2025 Conference in Minna, Niger State north central Nigeria.
Lieutenant General Oluyede stated that the Army has intensified efforts in training and retraining of its personnel to enhance combat readiness and professionalism. He assured Nigerians that the Army’s dedication to achieving lasting peace remains steadfast.
“We are determined to ensure that the Nigerian Army continues to contribute meaningfully to the restoration of peace and stability in the country,” he said.
The COAS explained that the TRADOC Conference provides a platform for deliberations on implementing the Nigerian Army’s doctrine and training directives for 2025 and beyond.
The theme of this year’s conference, “Understanding Nigerian Army Doctrine for Effective Training within a Joint Environment,” aligns with the COAS Command Philosophy, which focuses on consolidating the Army’s transformation into a motivated and combat-ready force.
Lieutenant General Oluyede highlighted the four pillars of his command philosophy: Leadership, Sound Administration, Professionalism, and Combat Readiness. He stressed that combat readiness depends on doctrine, which guides the Army’s standard processes, tactics, and procedures for modern warfare.
“At the tactical level, doctrine ensures structured actions, while at the operational level, it focuses on operational art and design. While doctrine addresses today’s battles, concepts prepare us for future challenges,” the COAS added.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to realistic training, troop welfare, equipment procurement, and maintenance, all of which are crucial for operational success.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, and economic crimes, the COAS noted that equipment upgrades and manpower development have been prioritized.
However, he emphasized the importance of reviewing training methods to address evolving threats and to make effective use of newly acquired equipment.
The Nigerian Army Training Directive 2025 has tasked TRADOC with driving a paradigm shift in training approaches. The COAS urged participants to critically analyze Nigeria’s security environment and propose innovative solutions to improve training and operational effectiveness.
“Since assuming command, I have emphasized the need to enhance leadership and instructional quality in our training establishments. This is crucial to achieving the desired change in our training programs,” he said.
Lieutenant General Oluyede also assured that the Army Headquarters would improve accommodation, training aids, and welfare packages for both instructors and students in training institutions.
He, however, called on these establishments to demonstrate greater commitment to ensuring the effectiveness of their training activities.
“Only when we train hard and effectively during peacetime can we minimize casualties in wartime. We must remain focused on this,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Commander of Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Major General Kevin Aligbe, described the annual doctrine conference as crucial for shaping training activities across Nigerian Army schools and centers.
“The Nigerian Army operates as part of joint task forces at the national level and within multinational forces regionally and globally. This requires well-trained and mission-capable troops, which is the responsibility of our training schools and centers,” Major General Aligbe said.
He urged officers and soldiers to adopt the Nigerian Army Doctrine 2022, which includes the Army Manual on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Warfare. He announced that 10,000 copies of the manual have been produced and will be distributed after the conference.
The Commandant said the Command has completed the installation of 20 multi-media platforms for real-time training in 19 schools with the control in TRADOC.
Additionally, he disclosed that work is ongoing on a modified training format and a manual for the employment of special forces, with input from retired senior officers. The manual is expected to be finalized by January 2025.
Major General Aligbe thanked the COAS for his support to TRADOC since assuming office in November 2024. He also commended the commandants of Army schools for their efforts in ensuring the success of Exercise MUGUN BUGU 2024 and encouraged them to build on this success in 2025.
“As we begin training activities for 2025, let us continue to raise the bar to secure our nation and achieve operational excellence,” he said.
The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the Nigerian Army Manual on Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Warfare by the COAS.
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