…as Nigerian Army opens 2026 training cycle
Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has underscored the importance of realistic and mission-oriented training to winning modern battles.
He warned that inadequate preparation of troops would continue to undermine operational effectiveness across Nigeria’s various theatres of operation.
Shaibu made the assertion on Tuesday while delivering his opening remarks at the 2026 Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Conference, a forum convened to formally kick-start Nigerian Army training activities for the year.
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Addressing senior officers, commanders and heads of training institutions, the Army Chief noted that Nigeria’s evolving and increasingly complex security environment demands a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.
He stressed that failure to properly prepare officers and soldiers for assigned missions would inevitably weaken operational outcomes.
According to a statement by Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, the conference was designed to stimulate robust and forward-looking discussions on how to better align training, doctrine and operational concepts in response to contemporary and emerging security challenges.
He said Army Headquarters remains committed to sound policy formulation and mission-specific, holistic training in line with his Command Philosophy.
Shaibu charged Commandants and leaders of Nigerian Army training institutions to fully internalise this philosophy and translate it into measurable results by producing troops capable of operating effectively within joint, inter-agency and multi-agency environments.
He described the conference theme, “Enhancing Nigerian Army Operational Outcomes Through Effective Training and Doctrine Implementation,” as timely and appropriate, emphasising that doctrine must continue to guide training, operational planning and the execution of military operations across all formations.
The COAS urged participants to anchor conference deliberations and presentations on real operational experiences, with the aim of strengthening 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 and a critical 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 troop proficiency while ensuring cost-effectiveness.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of Nigerian Army personnel in the defence of national security, Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the Army’s fighting power, improving welfare and administration, and providing purposeful leadership to confront threats to peace and stability across the country.
The Army Chief also commended past Commanders of TRADOC, retired senior officers and the current leadership of the command for their contributions to the development of the Nigerian Army.
He equally appreciated the resource persons at the conference, noting that their inputs would help shape the Army’s training and doctrinal direction in the year ahead.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for his sustained support to the Nigerian Army, while reaffirming the Service’s loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address, Peter Malla, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, described the conference as a critical intellectual platform for setting the tone for Nigerian Army training activities in 2026.
He said the forum reflects the Army’s unwavering commitment to doctrine-driven, realistic and mission-focused training as the foundation for operational effectiveness.
Malla noted that Nigeria’s prolonged engagements in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and other internal security operations have consistently demonstrated the strong 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 that doctrine must remain dynamic and responsive to emerging threats.
He urged participants to actively engage in discussions, challenge existing assumptions and propose practical solutions aimed at enhancing training effectiveness and strengthening the Nigerian Army’s collective operational competence.
The COAS thereafter formally declared the 2026 Training and Doctrine Command Conference open.
