COAS Tasks Army Regimental Sergeant Majors on Discipline, Mentorship as Nigerian Army Expands
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) of the Nigerian Army to strengthen discipline, mentorship and regimentation as the Service intensifies its expansion and modernisation drive.
Shaibu gave the charge on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, during the closing ceremony of the Second Regimental Sergeant Majors' Convention 2026 in Benin City, Edo State.
The five-day convention, held from Nov. 2 to 6, brought together RSMs from various Army formations and units, alongside representatives of sister Services and other security agencies.
The Army Chief described RSMs as custodians of the professional character and fighting spirit of the Nigerian Army, noting that they serve as mentors to soldiers, advisers to commanders and guardians of the institution's core values.
He stressed that their responsibilities extend beyond maintaining smartness on parade to ensuring discipline in operational environments, responsible conduct without supervision and unwavering commitment to duty under difficult conditions.
Shaibu urged the senior non-commissioned officers to strengthen regimentation and mentorship while tackling behavioural challenges, including drug abuse, gambling, absenteeism and the misuse of social media, which he said undermine military discipline and professionalism.
He particularly commended the lecture delivered by the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, on combating drug abuse within the military and society.
Earlier, during a visit to Headquarters 4 Brigade, the COAS commended troops for their efforts in maintaining peace and security within their area of responsibility.
He disclosed that some operational challenges raised by the Brigade Commander had been promptly addressed, reaffirming the Army leadership's commitment to improving operational conditions and supporting troops in the field.
The Army Chief charged the troops to remain resolute in protecting lives and property, safeguarding the interests of Nigerians and dealing decisively with criminal elements threatening national security.
He, however, emphasised that all military operations must be conducted professionally and within established legal boundaries, with particular attention to the protection of civilians.
Shaibu urged both RSMs and other personnel to uphold discipline, professionalism and commitment to their constitutional responsibilities, stressing that strong regimentation and exemplary conduct were indispensable to building a combat-ready and resilient Nigerian Army.
He appreciated the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, resource persons and the Edo State Government and people for their support towards the successful convention.
The COAS also acknowledged the sustained support of President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for the Nigerian Army.
The convention comes as the Nigerian Army continues its expansion and modernisation efforts, with renewed emphasis on leadership development, troop welfare, professional standards and operational effectiveness.
