The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated that realistic, mission-oriented training remains critical to achieving superior operational outcomes across all theatres of operation.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made the assertion while delivering his opening remarks at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Conference 2026, convened to formally commence Nigerian Army training activities for the year.
The Army Chief warned that failure to adequately and realistically prepare officers and soldiers for their assigned missions would inevitably undermine operational effectiveness. He noted that Nigeria’s evolving and increasingly complex security environment demands a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient Army.
READ ALSO: Troops neutralise 25 terrorists, rescue hostages across theatres -Army
According to him, the conference is designed to promote robust and forward-looking deliberations aimed at aligning training, doctrine and operational concepts with contemporary and emerging security challenges. He added that Army Headquarters remains committed to sound policy formulation and mission-specific, holistic training in line with his Command Philosophy.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged Commandants and leaders of Army training institutions to internalise this philosophy and translate it into practical outcomes by producing troops capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency environments.
He described the conference theme, “Enhancing Nigerian Army Operational Outcomes Through Effective Training and Doctrine Implementation,” as apt and timely, stressing that doctrine must continue to guide training, operational planning and execution across all formations.
The COAS urged participants to link conference presentations with real operational experiences to strengthen the Army’s capacity to counter terrorism, insurgency and other contemporary security threats. He placed particular emphasis on Exercise MUGUN BUGU, describing it as the hallmark of Nigerian Army training. According to him, the exercise is central to validating doctrinal principles and assessing operational readiness.
He called for increased realism in training scenarios, including the integration of improvised explosive device (IED) threats, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) procedures and expanded use of simulators to enhance proficiency and cost-effectiveness.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of Nigerian Army personnel in safeguarding national security, the COAS reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Army’s fighting power, improving welfare and administration, and providing purposeful leadership to confront all threats to national peace and security.
He commended past Commanders of TRADOC, retired senior officers and the current TRADOC leadership for their contributions to the development of the Nigerian Army. He also appreciated the resource persons for their insights, noting that their contributions would help shape the Army’s training and doctrinal direction in 2026.
Lieutenant General Shaibu concluded by expressing gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his sustained support to the Nigerian Army, while reaffirming the Service’s loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Peter Malla, described the conference as a critical intellectual platform for setting the tone for Nigerian Army training activities in 2026. He said the conference underscores the Army’s commitment to doctrine-driven, realistic and mission-focused training as the foundation for operational effectiveness.
Major General Malla noted that Nigeria’s prolonged counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and internal security operations have consistently demonstrated the vital link between sound doctrine, effective training and operational success. He reaffirmed TRADOC’s commitment to Nigerian Army Doctrine as the Service’s professional blueprint, stressing the need for doctrine to remain dynamic and responsive to emerging threats.
He urged participants to actively engage in deliberations, challenge assumptions and propose practical solutions aimed at improving training effectiveness and strengthening the Nigerian Army’s overall operational competence.
The COAS thereafter formally declared the TRADOC Conference 2026 open.
, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated that realistic, mission-oriented training remains critical to achieving superior operational outcomes across all theatres of operation.){kind=link}