The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has emphasized that a strong warrior ethos remains central to enhancing combat readiness, unit cohesion, and the overall operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
The COAS made this known at a high-level seminar organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation, themed “Warrior Ethos: A Tool for Building Unit Cohesion and a Combat-Ready Force,” held at the Headquarters 8 Division Auditorium.
Represented by the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Warrah Idris, the COAS stressed the urgent need to confront Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and drug abuse among troops, describing them as twin threats capable of eroding combat effectiveness and operational performance.
According to him, instilling a warrior ethos anchored on core military values such as fortitude, selfless service, vigilance, and mental as well as physical resilience must begin at the unit level to foster cohesion and sustained readiness. He noted that the seminar provided a timely platform for reflection, knowledge sharing, and the formulation of practical strategies to strengthen the fighting capacity of the Army.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General Samson Abai, stated that the seminar aligned with the COAS’ Command Philosophy aimed at transforming the Nigerian Army into a professional, adaptable, and resilient force. He explained that the focus on mental health challenges, prolonged operational stress, and substance abuse was critical to sustaining combat efficiency and morale.
The seminar featured expert resource persons with extensive operational and professional experience. These included a lecture on “Intensifying Warrior Ethos and Mental Toughness” delivered by Major General Charles Ofoche (Rtd); “Effect of Drug Abuse on Nigerian Army Operational Effectiveness” presented by the Deputy Commander, Narcotics, Sokoto Command, Abdulrazak Umar; and “Overcoming Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” delivered by Lt Col Dr Suzan Dibal (Rtd).
Speaking on the event, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army, Lt Col Olabisi Osoba, said the seminar underscored the Nigerian Army’s growing emphasis on the human dimension of warfare, particularly mental resilience and ethical strength as critical enablers of combat success.
Lt Col Osoba noted that the event brought together senior officers and soldiers from the Theatre Command of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other stakeholders, adding that highlights of the seminar included interactive sessions, presentation of souvenirs to distinguished guests, networking opportunities, and group photographs.
