In a strategic effort to enhance leadership and combat effectiveness within the Nigerian Army (NA), the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has called on junior and mid-level commanders to adopt a culture of responsive leadership across all theatres of operations. This, he emphasized, is essential to achieving optimal performance and meeting the operational objectives of the NA.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the COAS at the opening of the Nigerian Army Transformation Seminar, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, made the call on Tuesday, 28 August 2025, at the Headquarters Theatre Command Officers’ Mess, Maimalari Cantonment. The seminar was organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation (AHQ DATI).

Speaking on the seminar theme, “Transformational Leadership and Nigerian Army Operational Effectiveness in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,” Major General Abubakar emphasized the importance of strong leadership and inter-agency collaboration in today’s complex operational landscape. He noted that the theme reflects key elements of the COAS’s command philosophy.

Describing the Nigerian Army as the cornerstone in the nation’s fight against terrorism and insurgency, the Special Guest of Honour highlighted the importance of transformational leadership in responding to evolving security threats. He further urged junior and mid-level leaders to remain open-minded and learn not only from the seminar but also from practical experiences in operational environments.

Major General Abubakar expressed his deep appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support and strategic direction, which have been critical to the successes recorded by the Nigerian Army.

He also commended the efforts of AHQ DATI in organizing the seminar and curating impactful lectures aimed at addressing contemporary operational challenges in a joint and multi-agency setting.

In his welcome remarks, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (COTI), Major General Olusegun Abai—represented by the Director of Lessons Learnt at DATI, Major General Sinyinah Nicodemus—highlighted the seminar’s importance in advancing the NA’s transformational agenda under the visionary leadership of the COAS. He reiterated that the event aimed to strengthen leadership initiative, combat readiness, regimentation, and discipline within the Army, while institutionalizing mentorship as a core element in grooming future leaders.

Major General Abai noted that the seminar’s theme aligns with the COAS’s command philosophy, which is centered on “Consolidating the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”

He added that the two lectures presented—focused on building leadership capacity among junior and mid-level commanders and the impact of drug and substance abuse on combat readiness—were specifically chosen to address pressing challenges affecting the force.

Major General Abai thanked the COAS for approving the seminar and providing the necessary support, and also appreciated Major General Abubakar for his strong commitment to the seminar’s success.

The event was attended by key dignitaries, including the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force OPHK, formation commanders, and representatives of paramilitary agencies. Highlights of the seminar included an interactive session, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.

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