By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed that realistic, mission-oriented training remains the most critical pillar for achieving superior operational outcomes and winning modern battles across all theatres of operation. He made this known while delivering his opening remarks at the 2026 Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Conference, an annual forum convened to formally kick-start Nigerian Army training activities for the year.
In an official statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief warned that any failure to adequately and realistically prepare officers and soldiers for their assigned missions would inevitably erode operational effectiveness. He noted that the evolving and increasingly complex security environment confronting the nation requires an Army that is not only professional, but also adaptive, combat-ready and resilient.
Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that the TRADOC Conference is designed to stimulate robust, forward-looking deliberations aimed at aligning training, doctrine and operational concepts with contemporary and emerging security challenges. According to him, Army Headquarters remains firmly committed to sound policy formulation and the delivery of mission-specific, holistic training in line with his Command Philosophy.
The COAS charged Commandants and heads of training institutions to fully internalise this philosophy and translate it into practical outcomes by producing troops who are combat-ready, resilient and adaptable, with the capacity to operate effectively within joint and multi-agency environments. He stressed that doctrine must remain the guiding compass for training, planning and the execution of operations across all formations.
Describing the conference theme, “Enhancing Nigerian Army Operational Outcomes Through Effective Training and Doctrine Implementation,” as both apt and timely, the Army Chief emphasised that doctrine is central to shaping professional military conduct and must continuously inform training and operational practice. He urged participants to relate conference presentations to real-life operational experiences, with a clear focus on strengthening the Army’s capacity to counter terrorism, insurgency and other contemporary security threats.
Lieutenant General Shaibu placed particular emphasis on Exercise MUGUN BUGU, which he described as the hallmark of Nigerian Army training activities. He noted that the exercise remains central to validating doctrinal principles and assessing operational readiness, while calling for heightened realism in training scenarios. This, he said, should include the deliberate integration of improvised explosive device threats, explosive ordnance disposal procedures and the expanded use of simulators to improve proficiency, enhance realism and ensure cost-effectiveness.
While acknowledging the sacrifices and dedication of Nigerian Army personnel in safeguarding national security, the COAS reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Army’s fighting power, improving welfare and administration and providing purposeful leadership capable of confronting all threats to the peace and security of the nation. He also commended past Commanders of the Training and Doctrine Command, retired senior officers and the current TRADOC leadership for their enduring contributions to the growth and professional development of the Nigerian Army.
The Army Chief further appreciated the conference resource persons for their intellectual contributions, noting that their insights would play a significant role in shaping the Army’s training priorities and doctrinal direction in the year ahead. He concluded by expressing gratitude 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 unalloyed 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 vital intellectual platform for setting the tone and direction of Nigerian Army training activities in 2026. He said the gathering underscores the Army’s unwavering commitment to doctrine-driven, realistic and mission-focused training as the bedrock of operational effectiveness in an increasingly complex and adaptive security environment.
Major General Malla noted that Nigeria’s prolonged engagements in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and other internal security operations have repeatedly highlighted the inseparable link between sound doctrine, effective training and operational success. He reaffirmed TRADOC’s commitment to Nigerian Army Doctrine as the professional blueprint guiding the Service, stressing that doctrine must remain dynamic, responsive and adaptable to emerging threats. He urged participants to engage actively in the conference deliberations, challenge existing assumptions and propose practical solutions aimed at enhancing training effectiveness and strengthening the collective operational competence of the Nigerian Army.
At the end of the opening session, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu formally declared the Training and Doctrine Command Conference 2026 open.
