By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the Nigerian Army’s operational successes hinge on superior training and mastery of core warfare skills.
Shaibu made the remarks at the inauguration of Course 10/2026 of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), on Friday in Abuja.
He described the institution as the army’s premier centre for operational-level education.
He stated that the college equips 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 AWCN has grown into a hub of excellence in operational art, strategy, and national security studies, recording notable progress in curriculum development, research, innovation, and infrastructure.
Shaibu quoted the former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida as saying, “No magic trick has been found for the effective performance of our roles as an Army other than excellent training and the acquisition of vital military skills.”
The COAS urged the participants to embrace progressive thinking, leverage the College’s academic and experiential learning platform, and prepare for high-level responsibilities in complex operational theatres.
He emphasised that the training reinforced his Command Philosophy of a professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force capable of executing its constitutional duties effectively.
Highlighting the importance of adaptive leadership, Shaibu encouraged officers to challenge assumptions, broaden strategic outlooks, and deepen their understanding of leadership, warfare, and innovation in confronting evolving security threats.
Earlier, the Commandant of AWCN, Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali, described the inauguration as a defining milestone in the officers’ professional journey.
He explained that the course, structured around eight modules, brings together senior officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and allied nations, producing agile and decisive leaders ready for volatile security environments.
Course 10/2026 comprises 85 Nigerian Army officers, two each from the Nigerian Navy and Air Force, and allied officers from Botswana, Chad, Guinea, Liberia, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Ghana, and South Africa
The ceremony also featured the inaugural lecture, ‘Harnessing Indigenous Technological Innovations for Enhanced National Defence’, delivered by former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin. (NAN)
