The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Shaibu, has called on Nigerian Army commanders to adopt innovative strategies and strengthen leadership as the country confronts an increasingly complex security environment.
Shaibu made the call while addressing senior commanders, noting that emerging threats such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational organised crime, cyberattacks, disruptive technologies and information warfare were changing the nature of military operations.
He urged commanders to remain adaptable and exercise sound judgement, particularly when making operational decisions in uncertain and rapidly changing circumstances.
According to the Army chief, military leadership now requires intellectual flexibility, operational creativity and moral courage to effectively respond to evolving threats.
Shaibu also warned that the information space had become an important component of modern military operations, with adversaries increasingly deploying misinformation, deliberate distortion and manipulation of public perception to damage the credibility of security agencies.
He therefore directed commanders to incorporate information management into campaign design, operational planning and the execution of military activities.
The COAS stressed that timely, accurate and credible communication was essential to maintaining public confidence and countering false narratives surrounding military operations.
He further emphasised the importance of discipline and professionalism among troops, warning that strategic communication alone could not repair the damage caused by misconduct in the field.
“No strategic communication effort can compensate for indiscipline or unprofessional conduct in the field,” Shaibu said.
The Army chief consequently directed commanders to ensure strict compliance with the Rules of Engagement while upholding human rights, protecting civilians and maintaining accountability across all levels of command.
He noted that the conduct of soldiers could have consequences extending beyond the immediate operational theatre, making discipline and professionalism critical to preserving the reputation and legitimacy of the Nigerian Army.
Speaking on the recent expansion of the Nigerian Army’s force structure from eight to 12 divisions, Shaibu described the development as both a significant opportunity and a major responsibility for senior commanders.
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He explained that the expansion was not simply about increasing troops and equipment, but also about building effective, cohesive and combat-ready formations.
The COAS said the quality of leadership, standards and values established by commanders would determine the effectiveness of the newly created formations for years to come.
He urged participants at the leadership seminar to convert lessons from the programme into practical improvements in command, campaign planning, operational effectiveness, mentorship and institutional performance.
Shaibu also tasked commanders with building cohesive teams, preparing future leaders, empowering subordinates and encouraging innovation within their formations.
He further called for stronger engagement with communities and legitimate stakeholders within commanders’ respective Areas of Responsibility.
The Army chief expressed optimism that the seminar would enhance the leadership capabilities of senior commanders and ultimately improve the military’s response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.