The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has called on military commanders to adopt innovative approaches to improve the management of personnel and enhance the combat readiness of the Nigerian Army.
This directive was given during a seminar organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Army Transformation and Innovation (AHQ DATI), held for officers and soldiers of the 8 Division at the Army Officers’ Mess in Sokoto, on Wednesday.
The seminar was titled “Optimizing Warrior Ethos in the Nigerian Army: A Panacea for Operational Effectiveness.”
Representing the COAS at the event was Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, who is the Acting General Officer Commanding 8 Division and the Commander of the Joint Task Force Northwest, Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD).
He emphasized the importance of the seminar in aligning with the COAS’ Command Philosophy.
This philosophy focuses on transforming the Nigerian Army by ensuring effective leadership, operational preparedness, and robust administrative processes.
The COAS underscored the need to instill a warrior spirit and combat readiness in troops, especially given the complex security challenges facing the country.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja also highlighted that the seminar was designed to provide officers and soldiers with the tools to overcome operational challenges.
It aimed at encouraging innovation in strategy, improving response to modern threats, and addressing issues related to troop management in the field.
By fostering a stronger warrior ethos among personnel, the seminar sought to enhance the Nigerian Army’s ability to respond effectively to the nation’s evolving security needs.
In his welcome address, Major General Zakari Abubakar, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation at AHQ DATI, remarked that the seminar was an effort to invigorate the fighting spirit of the Nigerian Army’s personnel.
He pointed out that in addition to focusing on combat readiness, the event addressed critical issues such as the prevention of drug abuse among soldiers and the growing threat of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) terrorism.
To ensure a comprehensive approach, expert facilitators from both military and law enforcement sectors were brought in to lead discussions and share their insights.
The seminar featured three significant lectures. The first covered the importance of fostering a strong warrior ethos within the ranks of the army, emphasizing the mental and physical discipline needed for success in modern combat.
The second lecture focused on CBRN terrorism and the Nigerian Army’s role in countering such threats.
Finally, the third lecture explored the adverse effects of substance abuse on operational efficiency, stressing the need for strong preventive measures within the ranks.
The lead guest speaker, Major General Bamidele Alabi, emphasized the need for continuous training, joint planning, and situational awareness to strengthen the army’s operational capabilities.
He encouraged participants to focus on enhancing their skills and coordination with other military and law enforcement units to improve overall effectiveness in the field.
The seminar drew a wide range of participants, including serving and retired senior military officers, as well as soldiers from the 8 Division.
In addition to the lectures, attendees engaged in lively discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing the Nigerian Army in current operations.
The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs and group photographs to commemorate the occasion.
The seminar serves as an important initiative in the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to improve its operational effectiveness and ensure that its personnel are fully prepared to meet the demands of modern warfare.
