The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed that realistic, mission-oriented training remains the cornerstone of superior operational performance 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.
Speaking at the event, the COAS warned that inadequate and unrealistic training of officers and soldiers would inevitably weaken operational effectiveness. He stressed that the evolving and increasingly complex security environment demands a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient Nigerian Army.
According to the Army Chief, the conference provides a vital platform for forward-looking deliberations on aligning training, doctrine and operational concepts to address contemporary and emerging security challenges. He noted that Army Headquarters remains committed to sound policy formulation and holistic, mission-specific training in line with his Command Philosophy.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged Commandants and heads of training institutions to internalise this philosophy and translate it into tangible outcomes by producing troops capable of operating effectively in joint and multi-agency environments.
He described the conference theme, “Enhancing Nigerian Army Operational Outcomes Through Effective Training and Doctrine Implementation,” as timely and relevant, emphasising that doctrine must continue to guide training, planning and the execution of operations across all formations.
The COAS urged participants to draw from real operational experiences during deliberations to strengthen the Army’s capacity to counter terrorism, insurgency and other security threats. He highlighted Exercise MUGUN BUGU as the hallmark of Nigerian Army training, noting that it remains critical for validating doctrinal principles and assessing operational readiness. He called for greater realism in training scenarios, including the integration of IED threats, EOD procedures and expanded use of simulators to improve proficiency and cost-effectiveness.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of Nigerian Army 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 peace and security.
He also commended former Commanders of TRADOC, retired senior officers, the current leadership of the Command and resource persons for their contributions to the development of the Nigerian Army and the quality of discourse at the conference.
Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency 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.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Peter Malla, described the conference as a critical intellectual forum for setting the tone for Nigerian Army training activities in 2026. He said the event underscores the Army’s commitment to doctrine-driven, realistic and mission-focused training in response to an increasingly adaptive security environment.
Major General Malla noted that Nigeria’s prolonged counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency 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, urging participants to actively engage in discussions, challenge assumptions and propose practical solutions to enhance training effectiveness.
The COAS thereafter formally declared the Training and Doctrine Command Conference 2026 open.
