By Gabriel Ameh
Sokoto, Nigeria — October 29, 2025:
The Nigerian Army has concluded a Transformational Leadership Seminar at the Headquarters of 8 Division, Sokoto, aimed at strengthening the leadership and operational capacity of frontline mid-level commanders and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs).
The seminar, themed “Transformational Leadership and Nigerian Army Operational Effectiveness in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,” focused on enhancing the participants’ ability to address command and leadership challenges, as well as mental health concerns such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) issues that directly impact troop performance and combat readiness.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 8 Division, Nigerian Army 29 October 2025
Declaring the seminar open, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Major General Ibikunle Ajose, highlighted the critical role of mid-level commanders in the Army’s operational success.
He emphasized that leadership at the tactical level is indispensable to the success of military operations and, by extension, national security.
“This seminar reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to developing officers who lead decisively, professionally, and ethically,” General Ajose stated.
He noted that modern warfare requires leaders of character and competence who can translate intelligence into swift, effective action. He also commended the seminar’s focus on addressing drug abuse and PTSD challenges that undermine operational efficiency and morale.
“Leadership remains the cornerstone of combat power,” he added.
The event was organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation (AHQ DTI) in line with the COAS’s vision to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force.
Representing the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (COTI-A), Major General Mohammed Usman, reiterated that the seminar was designed to prepare mid-level commanders for the evolving dynamics of modern battlefields.
“The Nigerian Army is deliberately investing in the professional growth of its officers to ensure they remain adaptive, innovative, and mission-ready,” he said.
Participants benefited from insightful presentations delivered by resource persons including Major General Jide Jeleel Ogunlade (Rtd), former GOC 8 Division and ex-Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, and Lieutenant Colonel Susan Johnson Dibal (Rtd). Their sessions focused on leadership development and managing the impact of PTSD on operational effectiveness.
General Usman urged participants to take advantage of the seminar to share experiences, learn from experts, and apply the lessons to enhance leadership and mission success.
The seminar underscores the Nigerian Army’s ongoing commitment to continuous professional development, emphasizing not only tactical competence but also the psychological well-being of its personnel. Through such initiatives, the Army aims to build a more agile, resilient, and combat-ready force capable of countering diverse security threats across the country.
