Insecurity: COAS calls for improved combat readiness

The Nigerian Army on Monday commenced the 2026 regimental cadre (Militia) convention in Kaduna, with a strong emphasis on enhancing combat readiness, discipline and professional excellence across its formations.
Declaring the convention open, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shu’aibu, said the role of regimental cadre personnel remained critical to both operational and administrative effectiveness of the army.
The COAS was represented by the Commandant, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), Maj.-Gen. Dangana Allu.
The COAS said the theme, “Empowering Regimental Cadre to Drive Combat Readiness and Professional Excellence,” underscored the need to strengthen the capacity of personnel responsible for enforcing discipline and implementing command directives at unit level.
He noted that the prevailing security challenges required a highly disciplined, motivated and mission-ready force, stressing that regimental cadre personnel were central to achieving that objective.
“As custodians of discipline and regimentation, you serve as the bridge between command directives and their execution. Your conduct must reflect professionalism, integrity and leadership worthy of emulation,” he said.
The COAS added that the convention was designed to equip participants with leadership skills, knowledge and competencies necessary to support commanders in enhancing operational effectiveness.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Administration, Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi, described the convention as a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening the professional and administrative framework of the Nigerian Army.
Mr Abdullahi said regimental sergeant majors occupy a strategic position as the senior-most non-commissioned officers, responsible for maintaining discipline, mentoring subordinates and ensuring effective implementation of policies at the grassroots level.
He explained that the programme aligned with the COAS’s command philosophy of professionalism, discipline, capacity development and mission-oriented leadership.
“The effectiveness of any unit depends largely on the ability of Regimental Sergeant Majors to enforce standards, mentor troops and translate strategic directives into actionable outcomes,” he said.
He urged participants to actively engage in discussions, share experiences and embrace continuous self-improvement to enhance their effectiveness.
Also speaking, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of the convention as a platform for knowledge exchange and leadership development.
Mr Wase said the evolving security environment, characterised by asymmetric threats and technological advancements, required a blend of experience, innovation and strong leadership.
He assured participants of adequate logistical arrangements, including accommodation, medical support and transportation, while urging them to remain security-conscious throughout their stay.
The convention features resource persons drawn from experienced military officers and subject-matter experts, with discussions focusing on leadership, discipline, combat readiness, troop welfare and civil-military relations.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

States
Navy uncovers 22,870 litres of illegal diesel in Rivers operation
Mr Folorunsho said the operation denied criminals the use of the intercepted wooden boat for transporting illicit petroleum products.

Heading 1
Unresolved Demands: Resident doctors issue fresh four-week ultimatum to FG
The NARD warned that it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the additional four-week period if the government failed to address the outstanding concerns.

States
Police arrest seven suspected armed robbers in Katsina, hunt fleeing accomplices
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Katsina.

States
Police begin probe as parents allegedly beat Kogi teacher to death for disciplining pupil
The spokesperson stated that the suspects fled before police officers arrived at the scene.

Heading 1
NDC Deregistration: Tinubu govt looking for flimsy excuses to weaken, destabilise opposition, says Dickson
Mr Dickson argued that symbols were not enough to deregister a political party.

Hot news Home top
Sultan demands transparent probe into killing of Benue MACBAN chairman
The traditional ruler noted that the deceased’s commitment to dialogue and conflict resolution earned him the respect of people across communities.






