The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has stressed the imperative of combat readiness, declaring that the Nigerian Army must continually train its troops in line with the realities of the modern battlefield.
General Shaibu gave the charge on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, while declaring open the week-long Division Training Officers (DTOs) Training Week organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Training at the 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of Divisional Training Officers in the Nigerian Army, the COAS tasked them to be sound, realistic and progressive in the conduct of training, noting that training remains the bedrock of operational success. He emphasized that realistic training has a direct and decisive impact on operational outcomes.
The training workshop, themed “Enhancing Operational Readiness: Adaptive Training Strategies for Evolving Threats,” was designed to provide a platform for DTOs and other participants to exchange ideas and develop modalities for improving training across divisional training schools. The programme is also aimed at preparing participants for the year’s training cycle, taking into account lessons learnt from previous activities.
General Shaibu further stated that Army training must foster inquisitive mindsets among trainees, encouraging them to learn, unlearn and relearn the fundamentals of tactical and operational training policies and procedures.
According to him, “As Divisional Training Officers, you play a critical role in shaping the competence, mindset and resilience of our officers and soldiers. Leadership is a critical element, as an army is only as good as its leaders, and leaders are only as good as their training. The quality of leadership on the battlefield is directly linked to the quality of training you design, supervise and enforce.”
The COAS also underscored the importance of troop welfare, stressing that effective training cannot take place without motivated and well-cared-for personnel. He urged DTOs to prioritize the welfare of troops under training and to promote healthy competition by recognising outstanding performances.
He commended the DTOs for their contributions to post-depot training initiatives, particularly Exercise Shining Star, noting that such efforts are vital in building confidence, discipline and combat effectiveness among young soldiers.
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, expressed delight at hosting the training week. He highlighted its importance and urged participants to approach the programme with professionalism and reflection, leveraging the forum to deepen their understanding of adaptive training strategies and refine their instructional and supervisory skills.
In his remarks, the Convener of the workshop and Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, thanked the COAS for his unwavering commitment to training as a cornerstone of military professionalism. He advised the DTOs to ensure that all divisional training activities remain realistic, mission-oriented and aligned with the realities of the operating environment.
