The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed that excellent training and mastery of core warfighting skills remain fundamental to operational success in the Nigerian Army.
He made this known on Friday, during the inauguration of Course 10/2026 at the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN).
Describing the College as the Nigerian Army’s premier institution for operational-level education, the COAS said the AWCN plays a critical role in bridging the gap between tactical operations and strategic leadership.
According to him, the College equips carefully selected officers with the expertise required to translate national and military objectives into synchronized operational plans within joint and multi-agency environments.
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that since its establishment in 2017, the College has evolved into a centre of excellence in operational art, military strategy and national security studies. He highlighted significant achievements in curriculum development, research, innovation and infrastructural growth.
Quoting former Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the COAS reiterated that “no magic trick has been found for the effective performance of our roles as an Army other than excellent training and the acquisition of vital military skills.” He urged participants to embrace innovative thinking and continuous learning to enhance their professional competence.
The Army Chief emphasized that the course is designed to prepare officers for higher responsibilities in complex operational theatres. He added that the training aligns with his Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively carrying out its constitutional mandate within joint and multi-agency frameworks.
Against the backdrop of evolving and asymmetric security threats, the COAS stressed the need for adaptive leadership, operational readiness and sound administration. He encouraged participants to challenge conventional assumptions, broaden their strategic perspectives and develop practical solutions to emerging security challenges.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Major General Umaru Alkali, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the professional development of the officers. He explained that the course is structured to produce agile, informed and decisive leaders capable of navigating today’s complex security environment.
Course 10/2026 comprises 85 senior officers of the Nigerian Army, alongside two officers each from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force. The course also includes participants from Botswana, Chad, Guinea, Liberia, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Ghana and South Africa, reflecting Nigeria’s strategic role in fostering regional cooperation and stability.
The ceremony featured an inaugural lecture titled “Harnessing Indigenous Technological Innovations for Enhanced National Defence,” delivered by former Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin (Rtd).
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