The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged senior commanders of the Nigerian Army to strengthen their strategic leadership, professional competence and understanding of the evolving security and information environment.
Shaibu gave the charge on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, while declaring open the Second Senior Command and Leadership Seminar 2026 at the Headquarters of 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna.
The seminar, themed “Strategic Leadership for Effective Command in an Evolving Security Environment,” brings together senior military commanders and resource persons to enhance leadership capacity, share operational experiences and develop practical responses to emerging command challenges.
The COAS said Nigeria’s security environment had become increasingly complex due to terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational organised crime, cyber threats, disruptive technologies and information warfare.
He urged commanders to remain intellectually agile, innovative and courageous while exercising sound judgement in uncertain and rapidly changing operational environments.
Shaibu particularly highlighted the growing importance of information warfare, warning that adversaries and other malign actors were increasingly using misinformation, distortion and manipulation of public perception to undermine military credibility and erode public confidence.
He therefore directed commanders to incorporate the information environment into campaign design, operational planning and military activities, stressing the need for timely, accurate and credible communication.
The Army chief also emphasised the importance of professional conduct in maintaining the credibility and legitimacy of the Nigerian Army.
According to him, effective communication cannot compensate for indiscipline or unprofessional conduct by troops on the battlefield.
He consequently directed commanders to ensure strict compliance with Rules of Engagement, respect for human rights, protection of civilians and accountability at all levels.
Shaibu warned that the conduct of troops could have consequences extending beyond the immediate theatre of operations and potentially affect public trust in the military.
On the recent expansion of the Nigerian Army’s force structure from eight to 12 divisions, the COAS described the development as both an opportunity and a significant leadership responsibility.
He stressed that expanding the Army was not merely about increasing manpower and equipment but also about building cohesive, credible and combat-ready formations.
Shaibu said senior commanders had a crucial role in establishing the standards, values and leadership culture that would determine the effectiveness of the newly established formations.
He urged participants to translate lessons from the seminar into practical improvements in command, campaign planning, operational effectiveness, mentorship and institutional performance.
The COAS also encouraged commanders to build cohesive teams, develop future leaders, empower subordinates, promote innovation and strengthen engagement with communities and legitimate stakeholders within their respective areas of responsibility.
