The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army depends largely on the quality of leadership provided by its commanders.
Shaibu made the assertion in Kaduna while opening the Second Senior Command and Leadership Seminar 2026 at Headquarters 1 Division. The seminar, themed “Strategic Leadership for Effective Command in an Evolving Security Environment,” brought senior commanders together to examine emerging security challenges and leadership demands.
The COAS said the changing nature of warfare required commanders to continuously learn, adapt and embrace innovative approaches. He noted that while equipment, technology and force structure were important, effective leadership determined how well military capabilities were deployed to achieve strategic objectives.
Shaibu identified terrorism, insurgency, banditry, organised crime, cyber threats, disruptive technologies and information warfare as major challenges facing modern military operations. He urged commanders to remain professionally disciplined, intellectually agile and morally courageous while making decisions in uncertain environments.
He also warned about misinformation and attempts to undermine public confidence in the military. He stressed the importance of credible communication, respect for human rights, protection of civilians and strict adherence to Rules of Engagement, noting that tactical actions could have wider strategic consequences.
The COAS further tasked senior commanders to strengthen the Army’s expanded force structure, which has grown from eight to 12 divisions, by developing competent leaders, maintaining high professional standards and building resilient formations capable of effectively responding to Nigeria’s security challenges.
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