By Nkechi Eze
In response to Nigeria’s increasingly complex and multi-dimensional security landscape, the Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to sharpen tactical leadership and strengthen command effectiveness at the unit level. As part of this strategic drive, the Nigerian Army Headquarters Garrison conducted its First Commanding Officers’ Workshop at the Army War College, with a clear focus on enhancing battlefield readiness through improved leadership capacity.
The workshop, themed “Enhancing Tactical-Level Leadership in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,” is designed to improve the operational efficiency and administrative competence of tactical-level commanders for effective command and control, both within their respective units and in joint operational settings.
Declaring the workshop open, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General Olusegun Abai, stressed the need for continuous capacity building of Commanding Officers to enhance operational effectiveness and combat readiness across the Nigerian Army.
Describing the initiative as a critical component of efforts to strengthen operational and administrative effectiveness at the tactical level, the Army Chief noted that Commanding Officers occupy positions of immense responsibility, serving as the vital link between operational directives from higher headquarters and execution on the field.
“Commanding Officers are the bridge between intent and action,” he stated. “The quality of leadership and decision-making at the tactical level often determines the success or failure of our operations.”
Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that the theme of the workshop aligns squarely with his command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
“Our vision is to build a Nigerian Army that is professional, adaptive and resilient,” he said. “This workshop is part of that deliberate process of strengthening leadership at the level where it matters most, the tactical level.”
He emphasized that realistic training directly influences operational outcomes and urged participants to engage meaningfully in the sessions.
“Realistic training shapes operational success. I urge you to actively participate in the lectures and discussions and draw practical lessons that will improve unit performance, troop readiness and professional competence,” he charged.
The Army Chief further directed Commanding Officers to reinforce regimental discipline, nurture strong junior leadership and prioritize troops’ welfare.
“Discipline remains the bedrock of military effectiveness,” he stressed. “You must strengthen regimental standards, build capable junior leaders and ensure that welfare is never treated as an afterthought. An effective reward and sanction system is essential to maintaining high standards within our units.”
He also expressed appreciation to the resource persons and organizers of the workshop, reaffirming the loyalty of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his sustained support.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, described the workshop as a key fixture in the Nigerian Army training calendar.
“This workshop is carefully structured to enhance command efficiency, effective group administration, cybersecurity awareness, performance evaluation and equipment maintenance in the field,” he said.
Major General Okoro noted that the initiative directly supports the Chief of Army Staff’s vision of building a highly professional and combat-ready force through realistic and mission-oriented training.
“I encourage participants to move beyond theory. The true value of this workshop lies in translating what you learn here into concrete actions within your formations and units,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Chief Host and Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Maxwell Dangana, highlighted the evolving nature of today’s security environment, describing it as increasingly complex and demanding adaptive, collaborative and mission-focused tactical leadership.
“The contemporary security environment is dynamic and complex. It requires leaders who are adaptive, collaborative and mission-focused,” he noted.
He stressed that Commanding Officers remain the critical bridge between policy formulation and operational execution.
“You are the link between policy and performance,” he told participants. “Effective communication, joint cooperation and ethical leadership are indispensable to mission success.”
Major General Dangana encouraged open discussions and experience sharing among participants.
“I urge you to engage frankly, share experiences and learn from one another. I am confident that this workshop will strengthen coordination, improve command practices and enhance the operational readiness of the Nigerian Army,” he said.
The workshop represents a deliberate step toward consolidating tactical excellence and reinforcing the Army’s broader transformation agenda, ensuring that leadership at the unit level remains responsive, disciplined and fully prepared to meet contemporary security challenges.
