Army Chief Says Operational Success Depends on Superior Training

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has said that the operational successes of the Nigerian Army are anchored on superior training and mastery of core warfare skills.

Shaibu made the remarks on Friday at the inauguration of Course 10 2026 at the Army War College Nigeria in Abuja. He described the college as the army’s premier centre for operational level education, responsible for preparing senior officers to translate national and military objectives into coordinated operational plans within joint and multi agency environments.

According to him, since its establishment in 2017, the institution has evolved into a hub of excellence in operational art, strategy and national security studies. He noted that the college has recorded significant progress in curriculum development, research, innovation and infrastructure.

Quoting former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida, Shaibu reiterated that no magic formula exists for effective military performance other than excellent training and the acquisition of vital skills. He urged participants to embrace progressive thinking and maximise the academic and experiential learning opportunities provided by the college in preparation for higher responsibilities in complex operational theatres.

The army chief emphasised that the training aligns with his command philosophy of building a professional, adaptable, combat ready and resilient force capable of fulfilling its constitutional duties. He encouraged officers to challenge assumptions, broaden their strategic outlook and deepen their understanding of leadership, warfare and innovation in addressing evolving security threats.

Earlier, the Commandant of the college, Maj Gen Umar Alkali, described the inauguration as a defining milestone in the officers’ careers. The course comprises 85 Nigerian Army officers, representatives from the Navy and Air Force, and allied officers from several African countries.

The event also featured an inaugural lecture delivered by former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen Abayomi Olonisakin, on harnessing indigenous technological innovations for enhanced national defence.