Former COAS Faruk Yahaya advocates soldier-first approach in shaping army transformation at NADCEL 2025 lecture
By: Zagazola Makama
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya (Rtd), has called for the continued prioritisation of the “soldier-first” concept as a critical driver of the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda, especially in the face of Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Yahaya made the call on Friday while delivering a keynote lecture titled “Shaping the Future of Army Transformation: The Soldier Affairs Concept,” at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025, held at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna on Saturday.
The retired Army Chief said the occasion marked a significant moment to reflect on the Army’s 162-year journey of resilience, national service, and contribution to regional and international peace and security.
He described the theme of this year’s celebration, “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for NA’s Transformation Drive,” as timely and strategic, adding that it aligns with modern expectations of professionalism, accountability, and soldier welfare.
“The soldier-first concept is at the core of transformation. It entails equipping, training, motivating, and protecting the Nigerian soldier to ensure optimal performance in all operational environments,” Yahaya said.
According to him, the current leadership of the Nigerian Army, under Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and now Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has demonstrated bold and visionary leadership in driving reforms and ensuring the Army remains combat-effective and professionally upright.
Yahaya, who led the Army between 2021 and 2023, noted that the Nigerian Army continues to operate in a volatile, complex, and uncertain security environment, which includes terrorism, insurgency, banditry, economic sabotage, and other non-military threats such as poverty, unemployment, and corruption.
“These threats, amplified by the misuse of social media and rapid technological changes, continue to erode traditional security boundaries and empower non-state actors,” he said.
He emphasised that the Army’s continuous review of its strategies, doctrine, and training is essential in maintaining operational superiority and strategic effectiveness.
The retired COAS highlighted the essence of the soldier affairs concept, which he said centres on balancing combat effectiveness with the personal well-being of individual troops.
“This concept focuses on building soldiers who are not only physically prepared but psychologically supported and morally grounded to meet future responsibilities,” he added.
He urged continued investments in leadership development, professional education, welfare systems, and operational readiness, saying these were critical to sustaining the military’s role as a pillar of national stability and power.
Yahaya concluded by reaffirming his belief in the Army’s capacity to adapt and evolve, stressing that the way forward lies in institutionalising a culture that values the soldier at the heart of defence transformation.
The event, which formed part of activities marking NADCEL 2025, was attended by senior military officers, defence analysts, cadets, veterans, and invited dignitaries from across the country.
