The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen, Taoreed Lagbaja, has charged warrant officers to be innovative and creative in leading soldiers to ensure resounding successes during military operations.

Mr Lagbaja gave the charge at the graduation of the Nigerian Army Warrant Officers Academy Course 42, on Friday at Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.

The COAS was represented at the event by the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Sani Muhammad.

He said, “I encourage you to remain committed to ensuring the high standards achieved over the years are maintained and improved upon. I urge you all to be innovative and creative as we all reinvigorate our efforts to addressing the security challenges confronting our great country.

“Your contributions are critical in ensuring that the Nigerian Army continues to achieve its mission of winning all land battles in the defence of the country’s territorial integrity and protection of its interest, thereby providing the required security for our dear nation.”

According to the COAS, the course was organised to enable the participants to discharge their responsibilities more effectively and efficiently.

He added, “In order to improve upon the efficiency and needed cohesion of the Nigerian Army, the warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers cadre must be brought to such a level that they are able to strengthen the connection between the officers and soldiers.

“This is aimed at building an effective, motivated and professional junior leadership cadre to bridge

the hitherto observed gap in professional military education between officers and soldiers’ cadres.”

Mr Lagbaja said that the academy had a more critical role to play in the training of lower cadre leadership with the capacity to confront the nation’s security challenges.

“I believe the professional skills you have acquired during the course have adequately equipped you to bridge the knowledge and leadership gaps between the officers and soldiers in your various units and formations.

 “Accordingly, it is hoped that the training you have undergone will reflect in your confidence, comportment, skills and overall bearing while discharging your responsibilities in the field,” he said.

The COAS appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support to the Nigerian Armed Forces.