The Nigerian Army has urged its personnel to uphold discipline, courage, integrity and ethical leadership to improve operational effectiveness and strengthen unity within military formations.
The Army also stressed the need to address drug and substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to safeguard personnel’s mental health and combat readiness.
Maj.-Gen. Peter Okoye, Chief of Army Transformation and Innovation, made the call on Tuesday at a sensitisation lecture on Warrior Ethos delivered by his team at the Depot Nigerian Army’s temporary training area in Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.
Okoye, represented by Maj.-Gen. Michael Agi, Deputy Chief of Army Transformation and Innovation, said the seminar was designed to reinforce personnel’s fighting spirit and promote their mental and physical well-being.
The seminar, themed “Warrior Ethos: Building Ethical Leadership and Unit Cohesion,” examined the values and professional standards needed to sustain discipline, resilience and operational effectiveness in the Army.
Okoye noted that the increasingly complex security environment required soldiers to develop mental toughness, emotional stability and sound judgment alongside physical strength and combat skills.
He said the initiative aligned with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, which prioritises professional excellence, operational readiness, effective administration, strategic cooperation and exemplary leadership.
He added that the Army’s greatest assets extended beyond weapons and equipment to include the physical and mental well-being of its personnel.
Okoye urged participants to apply the knowledge gained at the seminar to improve discipline, strengthen unit cohesion and enhance operational performance.
Earlier, the Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Ahmadu, described the seminar as an opportunity for personnel to reflect on the values and principles underpinning professional military service.
Ahmadu said a true soldier was defined not merely by wearing a uniform or carrying a weapon, but by demonstrating discipline, courage, loyalty, integrity and selfless service, even under difficult circumstances.
He noted that the conduct of military personnel, both on and off the battlefield, shaped public perception of the Army and influenced Nigerians’ confidence in the institution.
The commandant stressed that Warrior Ethos required soldiers to respect human dignity, adhere to the rules of engagement, remain accountable and use force lawfully.
He warned that indiscipline, misconduct and the pursuit of personal interests at the expense of collective responsibility could undermine military effectiveness and mission accomplishment.
Addressing the recruits, Ahmadu said their transition from training establishments to operational units would begin a demanding journey in which their character would be tested alongside their physical and professional abilities.
He reminded them that wearing the military uniform represented a solemn commitment to defend Nigeria, obey lawful orders and serve the country with honour.
Ahmadu urged participants to engage actively in the seminar and apply its lessons throughout their military careers, stressing that strong character was essential to sustaining soldiers through difficult operational circumstances.
Retired Maj.-Gen. Charles Ofoche delivered a lecture titled “Warrior Ethos: Building Ethical Leadership and Unit Cohesion”.
The seminar brought together military officers, instructors and recruits to explore ways to strengthen professional standards, promote mental resilience and sustain combat readiness.
