The Nigerian Army on Thursday, July 10, 2025, held the closing ceremony of the Second Commanding Officers Workshop at the Headquarters, 3 Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, rounding off a week of intensive training, strategic discourse, and experience-sharing among key field commanders.
The workshop, themed “Enhancing Tactical Level Command and Leadership within a Joint Environment,” brought together 54 commanding officers from formations across Northern Nigeria to strengthen leadership capacity at the tactical level and reinforce synergy in joint and multi-agency operations.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, was present at the closing ceremony alongside senior officers, including the Chief of Training, Major General Abubakar S. Ndalolo. Heads of other security agencies such as the Commissioner of Police, DSS Director, and representatives from other paramilitary outfits also attended, underscoring the Army’s emphasis on inter-agency collaboration.
In his keynote address, Lt Gen Oluyede commended the participants and facilitators for their dedication and urged commanding officers to remain exemplary leaders. He described the workshop as a platform that bridged tactical realities with strategic intent, calling on officers to translate knowledge into practical action on the field.
“You are the critical link that transforms operational directives into tactical decisions, many of which determine the success or failure of our mission objectives,” he said. “Leadership at your level defines the discipline, professionalism, and effectiveness of your units. You must lead with integrity, act selflessly, and uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army.”
He emphasized that the choice of theme was deliberate, reflecting the evolving complexities of the contemporary security landscape and the need for cohesive command structures in joint operations. The COAS also stressed the importance of mentorship, urging participants to serve as role models to junior officers who look up to them for guidance, especially in difficult moments.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Training, Maj. Gen. Ndalolo, noted that the workshop covered essential subjects including civil-military cooperation, innovation and digital transformation, effective maintenance strategies, career planning, and counter-intelligence. He said the sessions were designed to improve decision-making and operational integration in a multi-agency framework.
“The aim was to build the capacity of tactical commanders to think critically, act decisively, and operate seamlessly within a joint environment,” Ndalolo stated. “This aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision of building a well-motivated, combat-ready force.”
Throughout the four-day workshop, participants were engaged in a series of lectures and practical sessions that addressed:
- Adaptive leadership in counter-intelligence and anti-corruption operations
- Human resource management and truth warfare
- Seamless integration of technology in modern warfare
- Lessons from recent field operations and inter-agency collaboration
The final day featured presentations on electronic personnel evaluation, digital innovation for security operations, and field maintenance strategies—delivered by experienced instructors and senior officers.
Speaking to journalists after the event, Lt Gen Oluyede emphasized the relevance of the training to current security challenges.
“Every training activity we conduct is aimed at enhancing our capacity to respond to emerging threats,” he said. “We expect that these officers will return to their units as better leaders and administrators—equipped to checkmate insecurity more effectively.”
The closing session included the inspection of the Quarter Guard by the Special Guest of Honour, safety briefing, presentation of certificates to participants by the COAS, a souvenir presentation to the Chief of Army Staff, and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its resolve to continue investing in the development of its officers, maintaining that the strength of any fighting force lies not just in its weapons, but in the quality of its leadership.
