By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the importance of realistic and mission-oriented training as a critical factor in achieving superior operational outcomes across all theatres of operation.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made this assertion while delivering his opening remarks at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Conference 2026, which formally marked the commencement of Nigerian Army training activities for the year.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS warned that inadequate and unrealistic training of officers and soldiers would inevitably undermine operational effectiveness. He noted that the evolving and increasingly complex security environment requires a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient Nigerian Army.
According to him, the conference is aimed at promoting robust and forward-looking deliberations on how to better align training, doctrine and operational concepts to address contemporary and emerging security challenges. He explained that Army Headquarters remains focused on sound policy formulation and mission-specific, holistic training in line with his Command Philosophy.
The Army Chief charged Commandants and leaders of training institutions to internalise this philosophy and translate it into practical outcomes by producing combat-ready, resilient and adaptable troops capable of operating effectively in joint and multi-agency environments.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further noted that the conference theme, “Enhancing Nigerian Army Operational Outcomes Through Effective Training and Doctrine Implementation,” is both apt and timely. He stressed that doctrine must continue to guide training, planning and the conduct of operations across all formations of the Nigerian Army.
He urged participants to link conference presentations with real operational experiences to enhance the Army’s capacity to counter terrorism, insurgency and other contemporary security threats.
The COAS placed particular emphasis on Exercise MUGUN BUGU, describing it as the hallmark of Nigerian Army training activities and a key platform for 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 the expanded use of simulators to improve proficiency while ensuring cost-effectiveness.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of Nigerian Army personnel in the defence of national security, the COAS reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening fighting power, improving welfare and administration, and providing purposeful leadership to confront all threats to peace and security in the country.
He also commended past Commanders of TRADOC, retired senior officers and the current TRADOC leadership for their contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian Army.
The COAS equally appreciated the resource persons for their insights, noting that their contributions would shape the Army’s training and doctrinal direction in the year ahead.
Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 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, Nigerian Army, Major General Peter Malla, described the conference as a vital intellectual platform for setting the tone for Nigerian Army training activities in 2026. He said the conference reflects the Army’s unwavering commitment to doctrine-driven, realistic and mission-focused training as the foundation for operational effectiveness in an increasingly complex security environment.
Major General Malla observed that Nigeria’s prolonged counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and internal security operations have consistently highlighted the strong link between sound doctrine, effective training and operational success. He reaffirmed TRADOC’s commitment to Nigerian Army Doctrine as the Army’s professional blueprint, stressing the need for doctrine to remain dynamic and responsive to emerging threats.
He urged participants to actively engage in conference deliberations, challenge existing assumptions and propose practical solutions aimed at enhancing training effectiveness and strengthening the Nigerian Army’s overall operational capability.
The COAS subsequently declared the Training and Doctrine Command Conference 2026 officially open.
admin