Former Army Chief, Farouk Yahaya, Makes Case for ‘Soldier-First Approach’ in Shaping Nigerian Army’s Transformation
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya (rtd), has called for the adoption of a soldier-centric philosophy in the Nigerian Army, placing the welfare and well-being of personnel at the core of military operations and administration.
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Delivering a keynote lecture at the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), held at the main auditorium of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Abuja, Lt Gen Yahaya presented his vision in a paper titled “Soldier First” Concept in Shaping a New Culture for Transformation in the Nigerian Army.
He emphasized that the strength, motivation, and effectiveness of the Nigerian soldier are directly tied to their treatment within the system. “A well-administered soldier is a motivated soldier. A well-equipped soldier is a motivated soldier. A well-commanded soldier is a motivated soldier,” he said.
General Yahaya further underscored the importance of mental and psychological well-being in building a strong and effective force. “A soldier is as strong as his mental and psychological health,” he noted, stressing that the Nigerian Army must be intentional about supporting its personnel beyond the battlefield.
The retired Army Chief’s remarks highlighted the need for a shift in command culture—one that not only values tactical and strategic efficiency, but also nurtures the human element of military service. He argued that this soldier-first approach is vital for sustaining professionalism, discipline, and combat readiness in today’s complex security environment.
His lecture formed part of activities marking NADCEL 2025, which celebrates the heritage, achievements, and continued transformation of the Nigerian Army. The event also served as a platform for reflecting on key reforms and the future direction of the service under a people-focused leadership ethos.
The “Soldier First” concept, as articulated by Lt Gen Yahaya, is expected to shape ongoing discourse on military reform and reinforce the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the holistic empowerment of its troops.
