President Bola Tinubu has praised the leadership philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, describing it as the foundation of a Nigerian Army focused on professionalism, adaptability, combat readiness and resilience.
Tinubu, in the foreword to The Shaibu Doctrine: Mission Command and the Remaking of Nigeria’s Army at War, said the philosophy was shaping the Army’s approach to training, equipment, combat operations and leadership, with a shift from static defence towards more mobile offensive operations.
The book, co-authored by Dr. Muhammed Sani Abubakar and Associate Professor Sunday Adejoh of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), examines Shaibu’s emphasis on Mission Command, troop welfare and decentralised decision-making to improve operational effectiveness.
“As Commander-in-Chief, I have charged our Armed Forces with one mission: to secure Nigeria so that democracy and development can thrive,” Tinubu said, adding that the reforms included technology adoption, indigenous military capabilities, improved personnel welfare and stronger military ethics.
Co-author Abubakar said his professional interactions with Shaibu, from his time as a brigade commander in Bama to his tenure as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, provided insights into his leadership, resource management and efforts to sustain troop morale in demanding operational environments.
He said the authors developed the doctrine following Shaibu’s appointment as COAS, identifying five pillars under the acronym PROSE: Professional Excellence, Robust Administration, Operational Readiness, Strategic Cooperation and Exemplary Leadership.
At the heart of the philosophy, Abubakar explained, is a soldier-first culture that prioritises welfare, morale, training and empowerment. He added that Mission Command empowers subordinate commanders to make decisions within their responsibilities while working towards objectives set by senior commanders.
The book is scheduled for presentation on 24 November 2026 at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.
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