According to Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), increasing the Nigerian Army’s operational performance in the face of changing security challenges requires realistic and mission-oriented training.
This was said by Shaibu on Tuesday during the opening of the 2026 Training and Doctrine Command, or TRADOC, Conference, which signifies the start of the Nigerian Army’s training operations for the year.
He cautioned that poor troop training could jeopardize operational success, pointing out that Nigeria’s complex security environment calls for a force that is professional, flexible, and prepared for battle.
He stated that the purpose of the meeting was to examine and harmonize doctrinal and training approaches with the nation’s present security issues.
The Army Chief urged commanders and heads of training institutions to make sure that troops are ready for real-life operational conditions, emphasizing that doctrine must continue to direct planning, operations, and training.
In order to boost effectiveness and preparedness, Shaibu also advocated for more realistic training, including the use of simulators and scenarios involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and explosive ordnance disposal techniques.
He noted that Exercise MUGUN BUGU is still essential to evaluating operational preparedness and confirming doctrinal principles, describing it as a crucial part of the Army’s training structure.
Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla, the Commander of TRADOC, stated in his remarks that the conference offers a venue to examine training procedures and reinforce the connection between theory and operational performance.
Malla pointed out that continuing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations have brought attention to how crucial efficient training is to the accomplishment of missions.
Presentations and discussions aimed at enhancing training results and operational efficacy across Nigerian Army formations are anticipated to be included in the conference.
