Army organises seminar to address complexities of modern warfare

 Army organises seminar to address complexities of modern warfare

Lagos, July 18, 2025

The Nigerian Army has organised a seminar to address the complexities of modern warfare, media management, digital transformation, innovation, and coordination in joint operations.

The Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede said that the objective of the seminar was to equip senior commanders with the requisite skills and competencies to enhance performance in an increasingly complex security environment.

Oluyede said this at the closing ceremony of the Second Senior Command and Leadership Seminar 2025 with the theme: “Enhancing Op Level Command and Leadership within a Joint Environment”.

ReelzzNewzz24 reports that the seminar started on July 14 and ended July 17 at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration, Arakan Barracks, Apapa, Lagos.

The COAS was represented by the Corps Commander Ordinance, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Henry Wesley.

Oluyede said that one of the most pressing themes that emerged from the discussions was the necessity of placing soldiers at the forefront of every decision made.

“The Soldier First Concept is not just an ideal for leadership behavior but a commitment that we must embody in our leadership practices ensuring that every soldier feels valued, supported, and empowered.

“Their welfare must be our primary responsibility which is essential for creating a combat-ready and resilient force as the heart of our military effectiveness lies in the morale and motivation of our troops.

“This will help in addressing the multifaceted challenges we encounter in maintaining peace and security in our country,” he said.

The COAS said that it was imperative that we continue to invest in programmes and activities that enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of soldiers.

“We must establish initiatives that provide comprehensive healthcare, mental health support and family assistance for our soldiers.

“By doing so, we not only honour our commitment to my command philosophy but also build a foundation for a more cohesive and effective fighting force,” he said.

Oluyede urged senior commanders to foster a culture of transparency and trust in all their engagements.

He said that this meant establishing clear lines of communication, unified chain of command mechanism and feedback that encourage soldiers to express their concerns and proffer solutions.

“We must also hold ourselves accountable for our decisions, ensuring that our actions align with our values and the mission of the Nigerian Army.

“As we continue to implement the 2025 Training directive, we must devote attention to enhancing the realism of training.

“The battlefield of the future requires that our soldiers be not only technically proficient but also adaptable and capable of critical thinking,” Oluyede said.

The COAS said that harnessing technological advancements would be crucial for improving operational effectiveness.

“In essence, we must invest in state-of- the-art equipment and cyber capabilities, ensuring that soldiers are not only equipped with the latest tools but are also trained to leverage – technology to its fullest potential.

“This investment is essential for maintaining our strategic edge in an increasingly complex and morphing security ecosystem,” he said.

Oluyede urged the commanders to constantly reinforce the Soldier First ethos in all endeavours within their formations by ensuring that their leadership reflected the values articulated at the seminar.

“Also, we must all commit ourselves to the ongoing essential journey of transformation that lies ahead.

“The challenges may be daunting, but together, we can navigate this path with courage and determination.

“He also reminded that the future of the Nigerian Army depends on our collective actions today,” the COAS said.