President Bola Tinubu has commended the leadership approach of Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, saying it reflects a shift towards a more adaptable, professional and operationally prepared Nigerian Army.
In a foreword to the forthcoming book, The Shaibu Doctrine: Mission Command and the Remaking of Nigeria’s Army at War, Tinubu said the military must combine modern technology, personnel welfare, ethical leadership and improved operational methods to meet evolving security threats. He described the emphasis on mobile operations and decentralized decision-making as a departure from conventional military conservatism.
The book, written by Muhammed Sani Abubakar and Sunday Adejoh of the Nigerian Defence Academy, is scheduled for presentation on November 24, 2026, in Abuja. Abubakar explained that the doctrine is organized around five principles under the acronym PROSE: Professional Excellence, Robust Administration, Operational Readiness, Strategic Cooperation and Exemplary Leadership. The approach, he said, empowers subordinate commanders to exercise initiative within clearly defined objectives.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Christopher Musa assured a delegation of veterans of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group that the government would preserve records of Nigeria’s peacekeeping operations, including the sacrifices of personnel who served in Liberia and Sierra Leone. The delegation, led by retired Major General Ohifeme Ejimai, called for better historical documentation and consideration of a dedicated remembrance day.
Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede separately met veterans in Ibadan, promising continued attention to pension adjustments and other welfare concerns. He outlined plans for dedicated veterans’ healthcare facilities across the geopolitical zones, a proposed low-interest loan programme and discounted goods through a Defence Headquarters online retail initiative.
Oluyede urged retired personnel to remain engaged in community security and dialogue, while veterans raised questions about entitlements and administrative support.
