{
  "id": 3499859,
  "title": "COAS urges commanders to strengthen leadership, combat insecurity",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/coas-urges-commanders-to-strengthen-leadership-combat-insecurity-3499859",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-26T11:49:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/coas-urges-commanders-to-strengthen-leadership-combat-insecurity/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, has called on senior commanders of the Nigerian Army to enhance their leadership skills and combat the growing security challenges facing the nation. Shaibu made this statement while inaugurating the Second Senior Command and Leadership Seminar 2026 at Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army in Kaduna. The seminar, which focuses on \"Strategic Leadership for Effective Command in an Evolving Security Environment,\" gathers senior commanders and experts to bolster leadership abilities, exchange operational experiences, and devise practical strategies to address current command issues. Shaibu emphasized that military success is not solely based on battlefield supremacy but also hinges on credibility, public trust, and effective leadership. He highlighted the rise of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational organized crime, cyber threats, disruptive technologies, and information warfare, all of which have altered the security landscape. Consequently, Shaibu urged commanders to remain adaptable, innovative, and morally courageous while making sound judgments in unpredictable situations. He also drew attention to the increasing significance of the information environment, warning that adversaries exploit misinformation and manipulation to undermine military credibility. Therefore, Shaibu stressed that commanders must incorporate the information environment into their campaign planning and military operations. Shaibu reiterated that professional conduct is crucial for maintaining the Army's reputation and legitimacy. He directed commanders to strictly adhere to Rules of Engagement, respect human rights, protect civilians, and ensure accountability at all levels. Shaibu highlighted the recent expansion of the Nigerian Army's force structure from eight to twelve divisions, describing it as both an opportunity and a significant leadership responsibility. He noted that senior commanders must transform these newly established formations into disciplined, credible, and combat-ready units. Shaibu emphasized that the values, standards, and leaders promoted by commanders will shape the effectiveness of these formations for years to come. He urged participants to implement the seminar's lessons in command, campaign planning, operational effectiveness, mentorship, and institutional performance. Shaibu called for the building of cohesive teams, development of successors, empowerment of subordinates, promotion of innovation, and deeper engagement with communities and legitimate stakeholders within their Areas of Responsibility. He expressed confidence that the seminar would enhance senior commanders' ability to provide effective leadership and achieve improved outcomes in Nigeria's evolving security environment.",
  "summary": "The Chief of Army Staff charges senior commanders to demonstrate strategic foresight and professional competence to strengthen army leadership and combat i Read More: https://punchng.com/coas-urges-commanders-to-strengthen-leadership-combat-insecurity/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "COAS urges commanders to strengthen leadership, combat insecurity",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/coas-urges-commanders-to-strengthen-leadership-combat-insecurity",
        "published": "2026-08-26T11:04:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}