The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) of the Nigerian Army to strengthen the Army’s warrior culture in order to sustain combat readiness and improve operational effectiveness.
General Shaibu gave the directive during the closing ceremony of the maiden Regimental Sergeant Majors’ Convention 2026 held at the JN Garba Hall Old NDA Kaduna.
The convention, themed “Empowering Regimental Sergeant Majors to Drive Combat Readiness and Professional Excellence,” served as a platform for senior non-commissioned officers to exchange operational experiences and discuss strategies for strengthening leadership and regimental standards within the Army.
Addressing participants, the COAS described RSMs as the backbone of discipline and regimentation, noting that their influence is critical in maintaining troop morale, operational cohesion, and professionalism across formations and operational theatres.
He stressed that fostering a strong warrior ethos is essential for building resilient and mission-oriented troops capable of addressing evolving and asymmetric security threats confronting the nation.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also cautioned personnel against irresponsible use of social media and digital communication platforms, warning that careless online engagements could compromise operational security and damage the integrity of military operations.
He urged the RSMs to enforce discipline in information management and ensure strict adherence to communication protocols within their respective units.
The Army chief further emphasised the importance of mentorship, directing senior non-commissioned officers to provide guidance and leadership support for younger soldiers in order to preserve military traditions, ethical standards, and professionalism.
According to him, effective mentorship remains fundamental to developing a disciplined, motivated, and combat-ready force.
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Earlier, the Chief of Administration (Army), Isa Abdullahi, said the convention demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening administrative efficiency and operational readiness in line with the command philosophy of the COAS.
He encouraged participants to apply the lessons and insights gained during the convention towards improving troop welfare, discipline, and operational performance across their formations and units.
