The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed that superior training and mastery of essential military skills remain fundamental to operational success in the Nigerian Army.
He made the declaration on Friday, February 13, 2026, while inaugurating Course 10/2026 at the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN).

Describing the College as the Nigerian Army’s premier institution for operational-level education, Lieutenant General Shaibu stated that the institution plays a critical role in bridging the gap between tactical operations and strategic leadership. He noted that AWCN equips carefully selected officers with the competence to translate national and military objectives into coordinated operational plans within joint and multi-agency environments.

The COAS observed that since its establishment in 2017, the College has evolved into a centre of excellence in operational art, military strategy, and national security studies. He highlighted its progress in curriculum development, research, innovation, and infrastructure enhancement.

Quoting former Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, he stressed that “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.” He urged participants to embrace progressive thinking and continually update their professional knowledge.

Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the officers to fully utilise the academic and experiential learning opportunities offered by the College, emphasizing that the course is designed to prepare them for higher responsibilities in complex operational theatres.

He stated that the programme aligns with his Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force capable of effectively carrying out its constitutional mandate within joint and multi-agency frameworks.

Against the backdrop of evolving and asymmetric threats, the Army Chief underscored the need for adaptive leadership, operational readiness, and sound administration. He encouraged participants to challenge conventional thinking, broaden their strategic perspectives, and deepen their understanding of leadership and warfare.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Major General Umaru Alkali, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the officers’ professional careers. He explained that the course is structured to produce agile, well-informed, and decisive leaders capable of navigating today’s complex security environment.

Course 10/2026 comprises 85 senior officers of the Nigerian Army, alongside two officers each from the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force. The course also includes participants from Botswana, Chad, Guinea, Liberia, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Ghana, and South Africa, highlighting Nigeria’s strategic influence and leadership role in fostering regional peace and stability.

The ceremony featured an inaugural lecture titled “Harnessing Indigenous Technological Innovations for Enhanced National Defence,” delivered by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin (Rtd).