WE MUST TRAIN AS WE INTEND TO FIGHT, COAS CHARGES DIVISIONAL TRAINING OFFICERS

Jos, Plateau State | 20 January 2026

In a resolute acknowledgement of the critical role played by Divisional Training Officers (DTOs) in the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, has charged them to ensure that training across formations is sound, realistic and progressive, stressing that training remains the bedrock of operational success.
The COAS gave the charge on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, at the opening ceremony of the week-long Division Training Officers Training Week, organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Training. The event held at the 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Plateau State.

The training week, which brought together Divisional Training Officers and other key stakeholders in Army training institutions, is themed “Enhancing Operational Readiness: Adaptive Training Strategies for Evolving Threat.” It was designed to provide a robust platform for participants to exchange ideas, review best practices and develop effective modalities to enhance training within their respective Divisional Training Schools. The forum also aimed at preparing the officers for the training year ahead, taking into account lessons learnt from previous training activities and operational engagements.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu emphasized that realistic and well-structured training has a direct impact on operational outcomes. He underscored the need for training activities to cultivate inquisitive and adaptive mindsets among trainees, enabling them to learn, unlearn and relearn the fundamentals of tactical and operational training policies and procedures in line with contemporary security challenges.
According to the COAS, “As Divisional Training Officers, you play a critical role in shaping the competence, mindset and resilience of our officers and soldiers. In this regard, leadership is a critical element, as an army is only as good as its leaders, and leaders are only as good as their training. This truth places upon you a profound responsibility, for the quality of leadership on the battlefield is directly linked to the quality of training you design, supervise and enforce.”
He further reiterated the Army’s commitment to continuous improvement in training doctrines, stressing that the Nigerian Army must always train as it intends to fight in order to remain responsive, professional and effective in the face of evolving threats.
The opening ceremony marked the commencement of a series of lectures, discussions and practical engagements expected to further strengthen the capacity of Divisional Training Officers and enhance the overall operational readiness of the Nigerian Army.
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