The Nigerian Army says strengthening warrior ethos among personnel remains critical to maintaining combat readiness and effectively responding to emerging security threats across the country.

The chief of transformation and innovation (army), Peter Okoye, said this at a seminar on ‘Warrior Ethos: A Tool for Building Unit Cohesion and a Combat-Ready Force’ organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation.

The seminar brought together graduands of the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, and the Depot Nigerian Military School, Zaria, as well as personnel from Nigerian Army schools in Zaria.

Mr Okoye said that the changing nature of security challenges demanded soldiers who were not only physically fit but mentally resilient, disciplined and professionally competent.

He noted that the warrior ethos remained a vital component of military effectiveness, providing the moral courage, commitment and determination required to confront contemporary threats.

According to him, security operations today involve complex and evolving challenges that place enormous physical and psychological demands on troops.

”The strength of the Nigerian Army lies not only in its weapons and operational capabilities but also in the resilience, discipline and readiness of its personnel. As we continue to confront emerging security threats and record operational successes, we must sustain the warrior spirit that defines our profession and strengthens our resolve,” he said.

Mr Okoye explained that the seminar was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of military values while equipping them with the mental toughness required to operate effectively in demanding environments.

He said the initiative aligned with the command philosophy of the chief of army staff, Waidi Shaibu, aimed at transforming it into a more professional, adaptable, resilient and combat-ready force.

The senior officer added that operational stress, prolonged deployments and evolving security dynamics required continuous capacity building to ensure personnel remained effective and mission-focused.

He urged participants to actively engage in discussions and apply the lessons learned to strengthen teamwork, operational effectiveness and mission accomplishment.

Mr Okoye commended the army chief for approving the rescheduling of the seminar and thanked the resource persons for contributing to the programme’s success. 

He expressed confidence that the knowledge gained would enhance unit cohesion, reinforce resilience and improve the army’s preparedness to address emerging security challenges nationwide.

(NAN)