The Nigerian Army on Monday commenced the 2026 regimental cadre (Militia) convention in Kaduna, with a strong emphasis on enhancing combat readiness, discipline and professional excellence across its formations.

Declaring the convention open, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shu’aibu, said the role of regimental cadre personnel remained critical to both operational and administrative effectiveness of the army.

The COAS was represented by the Commandant, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), Maj.-Gen. Dangana Allu.

The COAS said the theme, “Empowering Regimental Cadre to Drive Combat Readiness and Professional Excellence,” underscored the need to strengthen the capacity of personnel responsible for enforcing discipline and implementing command directives at unit level.

He noted that the prevailing security challenges required a highly disciplined, motivated and mission-ready force, stressing that regimental cadre personnel were central to achieving that objective.

“As custodians of discipline and regimentation, you serve as the bridge between command directives and their execution. Your conduct must reflect professionalism, integrity and leadership worthy of emulation,” he said.

The COAS added that the convention was designed to equip participants with leadership skills, knowledge and competencies necessary to support commanders in enhancing operational effectiveness.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Administration, Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi, described the convention as a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening the professional and administrative framework of the Nigerian Army.

Mr Abdullahi said regimental sergeant majors occupy a strategic position as the senior-most non-commissioned officers, responsible for maintaining discipline, mentoring subordinates and ensuring effective implementation of policies at the grassroots level.

He explained that the programme aligned with the COAS’s command philosophy of professionalism, discipline, capacity development and mission-oriented leadership.

“The effectiveness of any unit depends largely on the ability of Regimental Sergeant Majors to enforce standards, mentor troops and translate strategic directives into actionable outcomes,” he said.

He urged participants to actively engage in discussions, share experiences and embrace continuous self-improvement to enhance their effectiveness.

Also speaking, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of the convention as a platform for knowledge exchange and leadership development.

Mr Wase said the evolving security environment, characterised by asymmetric threats and technological advancements, required a blend of experience, innovation and strong leadership.

He assured participants of adequate logistical arrangements, including accommodation, medical support and transportation, while urging them to remain security-conscious throughout their stay.

The convention features resource persons drawn from experienced military officers and subject-matter experts, with discussions focusing on leadership, discipline, combat readiness, troop welfare and civil-military relations.

(NAN)