The Nigerian Army has officially begun its 2026 training activities with the opening of the Doctrine and Training Conference organized by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shu’aibu, said the conference is an important step towards improving how the Army trains its officers and soldiers.
He explained that the meeting is meant to review the Army’s training methods and doctrines and to strengthen plans for the 2026 training year.
The Army Chief warned commanders of training institutions that failure to train troops properly would harm the entire military system.
He stressed that realistic and practical training is the key to success on the battlefield and in security operations across the country.
According to him, Army Headquarters will focus on strong policies and mission-based training to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptive, combat-ready and resilient force.
He said the Army must also improve cooperation with other security agencies and be ready to face modern security challenges.
General Shu’aibu said the country’s security environment is becoming more complex and dangerous, making it necessary for the Army to constantly improve its skills, strategies and equipment.
He added that the theme of the conference, “Enhancing and Generalizing Operational Outcomes through Effective Training and Doctrine Implementation,” is timely and relevant.
He also highlighted the importance of Exercise Mugun bugu, the Army’s annual major training exercise, saying it helps to test readiness, improve tactics and check how well troops can handle real-life situations such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
He encouraged the use of training simulators to reduce costs, improve safety and increase efficiency.
In his welcome address, the Commander of TRADOC, Major General Peter Malla, said the conference marks the official start of training activities in all Nigerian Army institutions for 2026.
He said the event provides a platform for deep discussions on how doctrine and training can lead to better operational results.
Major General Malla noted that Nigeria is facing changing and complex security threats, including terrorism and insurgency, and that the Army must remain agile, modern and well-prepared.
He said the Nigerian Army Doctrine 2022 will continue to guide training and operations, but must also be reviewed regularly to match new threats.
He added that the conference will help identify gaps in training and find practical solutions to improve the Army’s performance in the field.
The TRADOC commander praised the Chief of Army Staff for his leadership and commitment to building a stronger, more professional Army.
He said the command remains the intellectual backbone of the Nigerian Army and will continue to produce well-trained, disciplined and capable soldiers.
