Army chief harps on realistic training, doctrine-driven operations
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated the need for realistic and mission-oriented training, saying it remains critical to achieving superior operational outcomes across all theatres of operation.
Shaibu stated this on Tuesday in Minna, Niger , while declaring open the 2026 Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Conference, which also marked the formal commencement of Nigerian Army training activities for the year.
This is contained in a statement made available on Tuesday in Abuja by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.
Shaibu warned that failure to adequately and realistically prepare officers and soldiers for assigned missions would undermine operational effectiveness, particularly in an increasingly complex and dynamic security environment.
He explained that the conference was designed to foster robust deliberations on how best to align training, doctrine and operational concepts to effectively address contemporary and emerging security challenges.
He stated that Army Headquarters remained committed to sound policy formulation and mission-specific, holistic training in line with his command philosophy.
The COAS explained that this philosophy was aimed at transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating within a joint and multi-agency environment.
He charged commandants and heads of training institutions to internalise this philosophy by producing combat-ready, resilient and adaptable troops, stressing that doctrine must continue to guide training, planning and the execution of operations across all formations.
Shaibu described the conference theme, “Enhancing Nigerian Army Operational Outcomes Through Effective Training and Doctrine Implementation,” as apt and timely.
He urged participants to relate conference presentations to real operational experiences in order to enhance the Army’s capacity to counter terrorism, insurgency and other security threats.
He also placed special emphasis on Exercise `’MUKUMBOGU”, describing it as the hallmark of Nigerian Army training activities.
According to him, the exercise remains central to validating doctrinal principles and assessing operational readiness, while increased realism is required through the integration of IED threats, EOD procedures and greater use of simulators to improve proficiency and cost-effectiveness.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of troops in safeguarding national security, he reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Army’s fighting power, improving personnel welfare and providing purposeful leadership to confront threats to national peace and security.
Earlier, the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla, said the conference provided a critical intellectual platform for setting the tone of Nigerian Army training activities in 2026.
He noted that Nigeria’s prolonged counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and internal security operations had consistently underscored the vital link between sound doctrine, realistic training and operational success.
He reaffirmed TRADOC’s commitment to the Nigerian Army Doctrine 2022 as the Army’s professional blueprint and urged participants to engage actively, challenge assumptions and propose practical solutions to enhance training effectiveness and operational competence.
The conference was attended by senior military officers, commanders, commandants and other key stakeholders within the Nigerian Army training and doctrine community.
