Odita Sunday 
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged Divisional Training Officers (DTOs) of the Nigerian Army to ensure that all training programmes are sound, realistic and progressive, stressing that training remains the bedrock of operational success and battlefield effectiveness.
The COAS gave the charge on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, during the opening ceremony of the week-long Divisional Training Officers Training Week, organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Training at the 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.
The workshop, themed “Enhancing Operational Readiness: Adaptive Training Strategies for Evolving Threats,” was designed to provide a platform for Divisional Training Officers and other participants to exchange ideas, review lessons learnt from previous training cycles, and develop modalities to strengthen training delivery across divisional training schools ahead of the new training year.
Addressing participants as the Special Guest of Honour, Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized that realistic and mission-oriented training directly determines operational outcomes, urging training officers to cultivate inquisitive and adaptable mindsets among trainees.
“Training must encourage our personnel to learn, unlearn and relearn the principles of tactical and operational employment. Realistic training is non-negotiable if we are to succeed in today’s complex operating environment,” the COAS stated.
He underscored the pivotal role of Divisional Training Officers in shaping the competence, resilience and leadership capacity of officers and soldiers, noting that leadership quality on the battlefield is a direct reflection of the quality of training delivered.
“An army is only as good as its leaders, and leaders are only as good as their training. This places a profound responsibility on you as Divisional Training Officers, because the effectiveness of our operations is linked to the quality of training you design, supervise and enforce,” he added.
The COAS further stressed that effective training cannot thrive without motivated and well-cared-for personnel, charging DTOs to prioritize troop welfare throughout training periods.
He also encouraged the promotion of healthy competition by recognising outstanding performance among trainees.
Commending the Divisional Training Officers for their commitment to post-depot training initiatives, including Exercise Shining Star, Lieutenant General Shaibu described such programmes as critical to building confidence, discipline and combat effectiveness among young soldiers.
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, expressed delight at hosting the training week, highlighting its importance in enhancing operational readiness.
He urged participants to approach the programme with professionalism and reflection, noting that the forum offers a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of adaptive training strategies, exchange practical experiences and sharpen instructional and supervisory skills.
Major General Oyinlola encouraged active participation in lectures, discussions and interactive sessions, stressing the need for participants to internalize insights shared by seasoned resource persons.
In his remarks, the Chief of Training (Army) and Convener of the workshop, Major General Valentine Okoro, commended the Chief of Army Staff for his unwavering commitment to training as a cornerstone of military professionalism.
He advised Divisional Training Officers to ensure that all training activities remain realistic, mission-focused and aligned with prevailing operational realities, noting that adaptive training is essential for confronting evolving security threats.
Highlights of the opening ceremony included the presentation of a souvenir to the Special Guest of Honour and a group photograph with participants.
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