RismadarVoice Reporters, May 7, 2026
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) of the Nigerian Army to reinforce discipline and the warrior ethos as a key strategy for sustaining combat readiness and improving operational effectiveness across all formations.
Shaibu gave the charge on Thursday at the closing ceremony of the First Regimental Sergeant Majors’ Convention 2026 held at the JN Garba Hall, Postgraduate School, Old Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
The convention, themed “Empowering Regimental Sergeant Majors to Drive Combat Readiness and Professional Excellence,” brought together senior non-commissioned officers for discussions on leadership development, mentorship, regimentation, and operational standards in the Army’s transformation agenda.
The COAS described RSMs as custodians of discipline and military tradition, stressing that their influence remains critical to maintaining morale, cohesion, and esprit de corps among troops deployed in various operational theatres.
He said the cultivation of a strong warrior ethos was essential in building a resilient and mission-ready force capable of confronting evolving security challenges.
Shaibu also cautioned personnel against the misuse of social media, warning that improper online conduct could compromise operational security and undermine ongoing military operations.
He directed RSMs to enforce strict discipline in digital communication and ensure compliance with established military information protocols within their units.
The Army Chief further tasked senior non-commissioned officers to intensify mentorship of junior soldiers, noting that effective guidance was key to sustaining professionalism, ethical conduct, and regimental values across the force.
Earlier, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Isa Abdullahi, said the convention reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening administrative efficiency and operational readiness in line with the COAS’s command philosophy.
He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve discipline, welfare, and operational effectiveness in their respective formations.
The Nigerian Army said the convention forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance leadership capacity and reinforce institutional standards within the force.
