By Peter.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the critical importance of cultivating combat-ready warriors within the Nigerian Army to ensure operational effectiveness. This statement was made during the opening of a seminar held at the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State, which focused on intensifying warrior ethos, managing post-traumatic stress disorder, and combating drug and substance abuse among troops.
Shaibu described warrior ethos as the foundational pillar of operational success and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to leading the fight against terrorism and insurgency in defense of the nation. Representing Shaibu at the seminar was Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, Commandant of the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre.
The seminar, themed “From Trauma To Triumph: Building Combat Ready Warriors In The NA,” was organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Army Transformation and Innovation. Its primary goal is to bolster the fighting spirit and resilience of Nigerian Army personnel. Shaibu praised the initiative, emphasizing that it would enhance operational readiness and maintain a strategic advantage amid complex security challenges.
He stressed the importance of mental toughness, courage, and unwavering dedication to mission success. Further, he highlighted that by integrating practical field lessons with intellectual reflection and doctrinal innovation, the Army could refine strategies essential for Nigeria’s lasting stability.
The seminar also addressed contemporary challenges such as the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse on combat readiness and troop welfare. Shaibu urged participants to leverage the opportunity fully to deepen professional competence and improve operational effectiveness. He extended gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his consistent support and strategic leadership.
Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Abai, Chief of Transformation and Innovation, emphasized the seminar’s role in enhancing leadership capabilities among junior and mid-level officers while fostering warrior ethos among troops. Represented by Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Danja, Director of Lessons Learned at the Department of Transformation and Innovation, the seminar also sought to raise awareness and implement measures against PTSD and drug abuse.
The event featured lectures on topics including warrior ethos, mental resilience, substance abuse’s effects on operational effectiveness, and strategies to overcome PTSD, as well as interactive sessions designed to engage participants practically.
This comprehensive approach aligns with broader Nigerian Army efforts in 2025 to enhance combat proficiency, discipline, leadership, and readiness through rigorous training programs and competitions held nationwide, reinforcing the imperative of preparation in current security challenges.
