The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a stern directive to all Commanding Officers in the Nigerian Army to exemplify the core values of discipline, courage, and professionalism.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the call was made during the closing ceremony of the Second Commanding Officers Workshop held at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba, in Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday.
Speaking through Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, General Oluyede charged the officers to take their responsibilities seriously and lead from the front as examples of military excellence.
He stressed that leadership at the tactical level is vital to the success of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing operations across various theatres in the country.
The workshop brought together Commanding Officers and unit leaders to examine strategic command functions, operational tactics, and the ethical imperatives of modern military leadership.
According to the COAS, the importance of proper leadership at the unit level cannot be overstated, especially in a time when Nigeria faces multiple security threats ranging from terrorism and banditry to insurgency and communal unrest.
General Oluyede reminded participants that beyond tactical expertise, good commanders must embody the Nigerian Army’s values and demonstrate personal integrity.
He added that troops often mirror the behavior and morale of their commanders; therefore, officers must invest in the welfare and motivation of their subordinates.
“A well-led and well-cared-for soldier is a more effective combatant,” he noted.
He urged the officers to apply the lessons learned at the workshop to their daily command duties, translating theoretical knowledge into decisive field leadership.
The COAS highlighted that military success is not achieved by technology or weapons alone but by the quality of leadership and discipline at every level.
He also expressed confidence that the workshop had equipped the officers with renewed purpose and tools to improve operational planning and team cohesion.
The Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, named after one of Nigeria’s most respected military commanders, served as a fitting backdrop for the event, reinforcing the Army’s legacy of excellence and dedication to duty.
This initiative aligns with broader reforms within the Nigerian military aimed at improving professionalism, accountability, and mission readiness among officers and soldiers alike.