The Nigerian Army on Tuesday inaugurated its first Senior Command and Leadership Seminar for 2026, bringing together top military officers to enhance operational capacity and leadership effectiveness amid evolving security challenges.

The seminar, which opened at the Python Officers’ Mess in Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State, is aimed at strengthening strategic leadership, improving command decisions, and fostering collaboration among senior officers across the Armed Forces.

Declaring the seminar open, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Maj. Gen. Peter Malla, underscored the importance of continuous professional development in modern military operations.

He said the initiative aligns with the Army’s command philosophy of building a professional, adaptable, and combat-ready force capable of operating effectively in joint and multi-agency environments.

Shaibu also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the military, noting that such backing has enhanced operational capacity and strengthened efforts to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

In his remarks, the Chief of Training (Army), Maj. Gen. Valentine Okoro, described the seminar as a deliberate effort to build capacity at the operational level and improve decision-making among senior officers.

According to him, the forum provides an opportunity for professional engagement, exchange of ideas, and cross-learning, while equipping participants with the strategic insight needed to navigate complex and emerging security threats.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah, said hosting the seminar was a privilege and reaffirmed the division’s commitment to ensuring its success. He added that the programme is designed to deepen understanding of contemporary security issues and enhance leadership competence.

The seminar features lectures and interactive sessions on operational-level command, counter-insurgency strategies, emerging technologies, regional security frameworks, and special operations.

Other highlights of the opening included the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph of participating senior officers.