The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has declared that the Nigerian Army will prioritize “realistic and mission-oriented training” as the primary driver for operational success in 2026.
In a statement signed by the acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA indicated that the Army Chief while peaking at the opening of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Conference 2026 in Minna, the Army Chief warned that failure to adequately prepare troops for specific modern combat scenarios would directly undermine the nation’s security.
Focus on Modern Threats
Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized that the evolving complexity of Nigeria’s security landscape—marked by insurgency, banditry, and terrorism—requires an Army that is increasingly adaptable and resilient. He directed commanders to move beyond traditional drills, focusing instead on:
- Mission-Specific Training: Tailoring exercises to the unique demands of different operational theaters.
- Technological Integration: Expanding the use of simulators to enhance troop proficiency while managing costs.
- Counter-IED Operations: Integrating Improvised Explosive Device (IED) threats and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) procedures into standard training scenarios.
Doctrine as a Blueprint
The Army Chief described the conference theme, “Enhancing Nigerian Army Operational Outcomes Through Effective Training and Doctrine Implementation,” as a call to action. He noted that doctrine must serve as the dynamic “professional blueprint” that guides how the Army plans and executes operations.
Supporting this vision, the Commander of TRADOC, Major General Peter Malla, stated that Nigeria’s prolonged internal security operations have proven that the link between sound doctrine and effective training is the foundation of military victory.
The Role of Exercise MUGUN BUGU
A centerpiece of the 2026 strategy remains Exercise MUGUN BUGU (translated as “Deadly Strike”). The COAS identified this yearly field exercise as the “hallmark” of Army training, serving as the ultimate test for validating new doctrinal principles and assessing the combat readiness of joint and multi-agency forces.
