COAS urges officers to uphold discipline, leadership and responsibility during visit to 1 Division
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on officers of the Nigerian Army to exercise exemplary leadership, discipline, and responsibility across all levels during a visit to 1 Division in Maiduguri.
Addressing officers from second lieutenants to generals, Lt Gen. Shaibu emphasized that leadership at every level, from brigades to divisions, is critical to the operational effectiveness of the Army.
“If you lead that brigade well, to the General of South Commanding, you lead that division well, down to the Chief of Army Staff, you lead the Army well. I think all will be well,” he said.
The COAS highlighted the sacred responsibility officers bear when planning operations, leading troops, and ensuring their safety.
He reminded them that the lives of soldiers under their command depend on careful preparation, training, and execution of assigned duties.
“As an officer, you have a very sacred responsibility. Sometimes not all men come back from patrols or operations. It is almost on you to ensure, while he is alive and in action, that you take care of him properly and lead him well. That is the meaning of command,” he said.
Lt Gen. Shuaibu expressed appreciation for the dedication of officers and soldiers, acknowledging the challenges, scars, and burdens that come with field operations.
He described responsibility as a privilege, emphasizing that officers must lead with commitment and uphold the core values of the Army.
“Leading our men properly is the only thing that will ensure we address the challenges of the country. Leading them properly also means mentorship. From second lieutenant to generals, your role as an officer is key,” he said.
The COAS reflected on recent security incidents, including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State. He noted that lessons from such incidents underscore the need for strong leadership at all levels.
Lt Gen. Shuaibu also announced plans to expand Army training capacities, with the President approving new training facilities to produce additional troops. He stated that within six months, the Army aims to train 12,000 soldiers from three new facilities, with a potential to produce 24,000 if two training streams are implemented.
“The area of responsibility is vast and while it is relatively calm, it is still unpredictable. We need these boots on the ground to tackle the myriad security challenges across the country,” he said.
The COAS further highlighted his commitment to the “Soldier First” concept, extending welfare schemes and support programs to junior officers and majors, emphasizing that officers must prioritize professional excellence and personal integrity.
“Our profession is noble. If you cannot meet the demands of the job, it is more honorable to apply for voluntary retirement than compromise yourself,” he said.
Lt Gen. Shuaibu concluded by assuring officers that the Army headquarters would continue to address operational and logistic challenges to enhance effectiveness on the field.
The visit provided an opportunity for the COAS to engage directly with officers, review operational logistics, and reinforce the Army’s strategic training and welfare priorities.
He was accompanied by the Chief of Operations, Chief of Logistics, the Chief Military Intelligence, and the Provost Marshal during the engagement.
The visit underlined the COAS’s commitment to mentorship, operational discipline, and the welfare of troops while reinforcing accountability across the Nigerian Army hierarchy.
