The Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) of the Nigerian Army, Major General Kevin Aligbe, has urged participants at the Doctrine Development Workshop 2025 to deepen their understanding of military doctrine, describing it as the foundation of how armed forces operate effectively across diverse operational environments.
Declaring the workshop open, Major General Aligbe emphasised that doctrine is not a rigid set of instructions, but a dynamic and evolving guide built on law, strategic needs, operational experience, and validated concepts.
“Doctrine defines the Nigerian Army’s force structure, posture, and the conduct of training. It guides how we organise divisions, where they are located, and how we prepare to fight,” he stated.
He explained that while the current doctrine supports the existence of eight divisions in the Nigerian Army, it remains flexible and allows for expansion in response to emerging security challenges.
“Doctrine is reviewed every five years, but new concepts that prove effective during operations can be adopted immediately and codified in the next doctrinal review,” he stated.
Highlighting the significance of command philosophy, the TRADOC Commander stressed the importance of mission command—a leadership approach that decentralizes execution by granting field commanders the autonomy to act within the intent of higher command without micromanagement.
“Training is shifting towards mission-specific and tailor-made programs that develop cohesive units capable of deploying with clarity and confidence,” he said.
Aligbe further noted that changing operational environments and the induction of new equipment, especially in the Northeast, have necessitated doctrinal adjustments to maintain operational effectiveness.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to continuous improvement through the evolution of doctrine, the adoption of innovative concepts, and leadership development at all levels.
Institutional Advancement
The Chief of Doctrine and Combat Development, Major General Jimoh, said the 2025 Doctrine Development Workshop aligns with the Nigerian Army’s vision of institutional advancement and operational excellence.
Represented by the Director of Lessons Learnt, Major General Mohammed Babayo, Maj Gen Jimoh described doctrine as a critical framework for ensuring cohesion, unity of effort, and effective joint operations.
“Doctrine plays a crucial role in ensuring that different units work seamlessly together in a joint environment. This is in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy: ‘To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,’” he stated.
He emphasised that one of the key pillars of the COAS Command Philosophy is Doctrine and Combat Development, and commended the adoption of the Proactive Offence Doctrine as encapsulated in the Nigerian Army Doctrine 2022.
Maj Gen Babayo further described doctrine as a compass that guides the military’s strategic direction, enhances decision-making, and ensures unity across commands and formations.
“This interactive workshop provides a platform for participants to share their insights and perspectives on the Nigerian Army Doctrine 2022. I am confident that everyone here will derive maximum benefit,” he said.
He also appreciated the TRADOC Commander for his leadership and unwavering support, which made the workshop a success.
Lateefah Ibrahim