By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army has concluded a high-level Transformational Leadership Seminar at Headquarters 8 Division, Sokoto, aimed at enhancing the leadership capacity and operational effectiveness of frontline mid-level commanders and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs). The seminar, which focused on addressing command and leadership challenges as well as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen troop readiness and performance across theatres of operation.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the seminar, themed “Transformational Leadership and Nigerian Army Operational Effectiveness in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,” brought together junior and mid-level commanders as well as SNCOs from various operational fronts. These participants, who serve as the bridge between strategic directives and tactical execution, represent the backbone of the Army’s ongoing security engagements nationwide.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West (Operation Hadarin Daji), Major General Ibikunle Ajose, underscored the indispensable role of these commanders in navigating Nigeria’s complex security landscape.
According to Major General Ajose, effective leadership at the frontlines remains central to the success of Army operations and, by extension, national security. He noted that the seminar reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to equipping its commanders with advanced skills to lead decisively, professionally, and ethically. “Modern warfare demands leaders with character, commitment, and the ability to translate intelligence into swift action,” he stated, commending the focus on tackling issues such as drug abuse and PTSD, which he described as silent threats to combat readiness. “Leadership is the cornerstone of combat power,” he added.
The seminar was organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation (DTI) in alignment with the COAS’s vision of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force. Representing the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General Mohammed Usman highlighted the event’s strategic importance, saying that the Nigerian Army is deliberately investing in mid-level commanders to prepare them for the evolving demands of modern warfare.
“The Army is strengthening leadership development to ensure our commanders are mentally resilient and strategically adaptable to the changing dynamics of today’s battlefield,” he noted.
Participants benefitted from intensive sessions delivered by erudite resource persons, including the former General Officer Commanding 8 Division and former Force Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force, Major General Jide Jeleel Ogunlade (rtd), and retired Lieutenant Colonel Susan Johnson Dibal. Their presentations focused on building leadership capacity among junior and mid-level commanders, as well as understanding the operational and psychological impact of PTSD on troops.
Major General Usman urged the participants to use the seminar as a platform to exchange ideas, learn from experts, and expand their leadership knowledge base. He emphasised that their professional growth would directly translate into improved operational outcomes for the Army in joint and multi-agency environments.
The seminar, which forms part of the Army’s ongoing drive for professional transformation, underscores its dedication to continuous capacity building, tactical excellence, and personnel welfare. By fostering a leadership culture rooted in adaptability, discipline, and mental resilience, the Nigerian Army continues to position itself as a more agile, professional, and combat-ready force capable of effectively countering all threats to national security.
