Nigerian Army Chief Orders Commanding Officers to Lead by Example
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has directed commanding officers to demonstrate exceptional leadership standards across all tactical units. The military chief emphasized that officers must set unwavering examples of professionalism, discipline, courage, and valor within their respective commands.
The directive targets commanding officers and their equivalents operating at the tactical level of the Nigerian Army. Oluyede’s charge comes as the military continues addressing security challenges across Nigeria’s diverse operational theaters.
Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, serving as Acting Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed the COAS’s statement through official military channels. The announcement underscores the army’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards while strengthening command structures.
The leadership mandate reflects ongoing efforts to enhance military effectiveness through improved officer conduct and unit cohesion. Oluyede’s emphasis on leading by example suggests a focus on character-driven leadership rather than rank-based authority alone.
This directive comes during a period when Nigerian military forces face complex security operations across multiple regions. The army continues confronting insurgency, banditry, and other security threats requiring disciplined, professional responses from all command levels.
The COAS’s message reinforces traditional military values while addressing contemporary operational demands. By emphasizing exemplary leadership at tactical levels, the army aims to strengthen overall institutional performance and public confidence in military operations.