NIGERIA: Warrior Ethos Key To Operational Effectiveness, Says Army Chief

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the importance of the warrior ethos as a fundamental pillar for achieving operational effectiveness in the Nigerian Army.

This was made known in a statement signed by Captain Shamsudeen Umar, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, released on Thursday.

According to the statement, speaking through the Commandant of the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), Major General Ademola Adedoja, the Army Chief made the remarks on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, during a seminar organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation (AHQ DATI) at the Ihejirika Auditorium, Jaji Military Cantonment. The seminar had the theme: “From Trauma to Triumph: Building Combat Ready Warriors in the Nigerian Army.”

General Shaibu highlighted the central role of mental resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment in mission success, noting that integrating field experiences with intellectual reflection and doctrinal innovation would help refine strategies for improved operational outcomes.

He said the seminar’s topics were deliberately chosen to tackle critical issues confronting military operations in today’s complex and evolving security environment.

The COAS also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic support to the Nigerian Army, and to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for his leadership guidance and collaboration in strengthening national security.

In his welcome address, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (COTI), Major General Olusegun Abai—represented by the Director of Lessons Learned—said the seminar aimed to raise awareness about measures to manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and reduce drug dependence among troops.

He commended the guest speakers for their impactful presentations, which he said would inspire personnel to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army and enhance professionalism across units.

The lectures delivered at the event included “Intensifying Warrior Ethos and Mental Toughness” by Major General C. Ofoche (Rtd); “Effect of Drugs/Substance Abuse on NA Operational Effectiveness” by Assistant Commander Narcotics S. Muhammad of the NDLEA Kaduna State Command; and “Overcoming Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the NA” by Lieutenant Colonel S. J. Dibal (Rtd).

The seminar featured interactive sessions and the presentation of souvenirs to participants and speakers.