The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has emphasized that realistic, mission-oriented training is central to achieving superior operational outcomes in Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.
The Army Chief made the remarks while delivering his opening address at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Conference 2026, convened to formally launch the Nigerian Army’s training activities for the year.
Lieutenant General Shaibu warned that insufficient or unrealistic training of officers and soldiers could undermine operational effectiveness. He noted that the modern security environment demands an Army that is professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient.
“The conference is designed to foster robust and forward-looking discussions on aligning training, doctrine, and operational concepts to contemporary and emerging security challenges,” he said. He called on commandants and leaders of training institutions to internalize his Command Philosophy, translating it into producing troops capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency environments.
Highlighting the conference theme, “Enhancing Nigerian Army Operational Outcomes Through Effective Training and Doctrine Implementation,” the COAS stressed that doctrine must continue to guide training, planning, and operations across all formations. He urged participants to link conference presentations to real operational experiences to improve the Army’s capacity to counter terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats.
In a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief also spotlighted Exercise MUGUN BUGU, describing it as the hallmark of Nigerian Army training activities. He called for greater realism in training, including integration of IED threats, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) procedures, and expanded use of simulators to enhance proficiency and cost-effectiveness.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of personnel in safeguarding national security, the COAS reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening fighting power, improving welfare and administration, and providing purposeful leadership to confront threats to the nation’s peace and security. He also commended past and current TRADOC leaders, as well as resource persons, for their contributions to the Army’s training and doctrinal development.
In his welcome address, the Commander of TRADOC, Major General Peter Malla, described the conference as a critical intellectual platform for setting the tone for Army training in 2026. He emphasized that Nigeria’s prolonged counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations have underscored the link between sound doctrine, effective training, and operational success.
Major General Malla urged participants to actively engage, challenge assumptions, and propose practical solutions to enhance training effectiveness and strengthen the Nigerian Army’s operational competence.
The COAS thereafter formally declared the TRADOC Conference 2026 open.
About The Author
