Army Chief Charges Commanders to Strengthen Strategic Leadership

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has said the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army would largely depend on the quality of leadership given by its commanders.

This was stated by General Shaibu in Kaduna at the opening ceremony of the Second Senior Command and Leadership Seminar 2026, which took place at the Headquarters of the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army.

Themed “Strategic Leadership for Effective Command in an Evolving Security Environment”, the seminar brought together senior commanders and other stakeholders to discuss contemporary security challenges.

The COAS said that the seminar has evolved as an important professional forum for the senior Army leadership to introspect on the changing demands of command, share operational experiences and enhance leadership competencies.

The changing character of warfare, he said, requires commanders to continuously learn, unlearn and relearn, while adapting leadership approaches to emerging realities.

“Equipment, technology and force structure are still key components of military capability, but leadership is the final determinant in how effectively such capabilities are employed,” he said.

Read Also: Three Premier League Clashes That Will Put Early Claims to the Test

The COAS said terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational organized crime, cyber assaults, disruptive technologies and information warfare were challenges reshaping military operations.

He called on commanders to be intellectually agile, operationally innovative, morally courageous and able to make sound decisions in uncertainty.

“Strategic leadership is more than wielding power; it means commanders must influence organizational culture, grow future leaders, foresee change, maintain institutional credibility and synchronize tactical actions with national objectives,” the COAS stated.

General Shaibu also highlighted the increasing threat of misinformation and malign influence operations, explaining that adversaries may try 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. Military actions must remain professional, lawful, properly documented and capable of withstanding scrutiny.

He further stressed the need for discipline, respect for human rights, the protection of civilians and strict observance of the rules of engagement, pointing out that tactical conduct can have strategic implications.

The COAS directed senior commanders to convert the newly formed formations into credible fighting organizations by maintaining high standards, nurturing leaders, fostering professionalism and building institutional resilience.

The Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, said earlier that the seminar offered a robust platform for capacity building and strengthening the competencies of commanders at operational and strategic levels.

He said the Department of Army Training would continue working with corps, formations and training institutions to ensure that realistic, progressive and mission-oriented training was tailored to contemporary operational environments.