COAS Charges Army RSMs to Tackle Indiscipline, Strengthen Troop Effectiveness
…Says mentorship, regimentation critical to Army’s expansion drive
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) of the Nigerian Army to reinforce discipline, mentorship and regimentation as the Service intensifies its expansion and modernisation drive to enhance operational effectiveness and national security.
Shaibu gave the charge on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the closing ceremony of the Second Regimental Sergeant Majors’ Convention 2026 in Benin City, Edo State. The five-day convention, which ran from November 2 to 6, brought together RSMs from Army formations and units, as well as representatives of sister Services and other security agencies.
Describing RSMs as custodians of the Army’s professional character and fighting spirit, the COAS said their responsibilities extended beyond maintaining smartness on parade to ensuring discipline in the field, exemplary conduct without supervision and unwavering commitment to duty under challenging conditions.
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He urged them to strengthen mentorship and regimentation while confronting behavioural challenges, including drug abuse, gambling, absenteeism and the misuse of social media, which he identified as threats to military discipline and professionalism.
The Army Chief particularly commended the lecture delivered by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), on combating drug abuse.
Earlier, during a visit to Headquarters 4 Brigade, Shaibu commended troops for their efforts in maintaining peace and security within their area of responsibility. He disclosed that some operational challenges presented by the Brigade Commander had already been addressed.
He charged the troops to remain resolute in protecting lives and property, safeguarding national interests and decisively confronting criminal elements. He, however, stressed that military operations must be conducted professionally and within the confines of the law, with particular attention to civilian protection.
Shaibu maintained that discipline, professionalism and exemplary conduct were indispensable to building a more resilient, combat-ready Nigerian Army capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
He expressed appreciation to the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, resource persons, and the Government and people of Edo State for their contributions to the successful convention.
The COAS also acknowledged the sustained support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for the Nigerian Army.
