COAS Charges Army RSMs to Enforce Discipline, Tackle Drug Abuse, Strengthen Troops’ Combat Readiness

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has tasked Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) of the Nigerian Army with strengthening discipline, mentorship and regimentation to improve operational effectiveness as the Service advances its expansion and modernisation drive.

Shaibu gave the charge on Friday, 6 November 2026, during the closing ceremony of the Second Regimental Sergeant Majors’ Convention 2026 in Benin City, Edo State. The five-day convention, held from 2 to 6 November, brought together RSMs from Army formations and units, alongside representatives of sister Services and other security agencies.

In a statement issued by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS described RSMs as custodians of the Nigerian Army’s professional character and fighting spirit, with critical responsibilities as mentors to soldiers, advisers to commanders and guardians of institutional values.

He urged the senior non-commissioned officers to strengthen regimentation and mentorship while addressing indiscipline, particularly drug abuse, gambling, absenteeism and the misuse of social media. Shaibu stressed that military professionalism must extend beyond smartness on parade to include responsible conduct, discipline in the field and commitment to duty without supervision. He also commended the lecture delivered by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), on combating drug abuse.

Earlier, during a visit to Headquarters 4 Brigade, the Army Chief commended troops for their efforts in maintaining peace and security within their area of responsibility. He disclosed that some operational challenges raised by the Brigade Commander had been promptly addressed, while charging the troops to protect lives and property and deal decisively with criminal elements in accordance with established legal boundaries and respect for civilian protection.

The COAS urged RSMs and troops to remain disciplined, professional and committed to their constitutional responsibilities, noting that strong regimentation and exemplary conduct are essential to building a combat ready and resilient Nigerian Army.

He appreciated the GOC 2 Division, resource persons, and the Government and people of Edo State for supporting the successful convention, while acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued support for the Nigerian Army.

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