COAS unveils PROSE Doctrine to Strengthen Professionalism, Operational Readiness of Nigerian Army

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has unveiled a forward-looking Command Philosophy designed to reposition the Nigerian Army as a highly professional, agile, combat-effective and resilient force capable of addressing the evolving security landscape in Nigeria. 

The COAS presented the doctrine on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, during a strategic lecture delivered to participants of Senior Course 48 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.

In his presentation, Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized that leadership within the contemporary security environment must be anchored on character, courage and genuine concern for personnel welfare. He observed that the Army currently operates in a volatile and complex threat environment, with ongoing counterinsurgency, counterterrorism and internal security operations across multiple theatres nationwide.

According to him, these realities demand not only tactical competence but also strong institutional resilience and professional discipline.

The Army Chief explained that the newly introduced Command Philosophy is structured to accelerate force transformation and enhance operational effectiveness through innovation, institutional strengthening and collaborative security frameworks. He reaffirmed that mission accomplishment remains the central guiding principle, supported by a clear vision and unity of purpose.

Central to the philosophy is the acronym PROSE, representing five mutually reinforcing pillars: Professional Excellence, Robust Administration, Operational Readiness, Strategic Cooperation, and Exemplary Leadership. He noted that these pillars are anchored on a Soldier-First Culture, which prioritizes personnel welfare, morale, training, dignity and empowerment as critical drivers of combat effectiveness.

Lieutenant General Shaibu further stressed that operational success goes beyond battlefield achievements to include public confidence, strengthened civil-military relations and strict adherence to the rule of law.

Charging participants—whom he described as the future operational and strategic leaders of the Army—the COAS urged them to internalize the doctrine and translate its principles into measurable improvements across formations and units.

The unveiling of the PROSE-driven Command Philosophy signals a decisive strategic shift toward balancing ongoing internal security commitments with long-term modernization, institutional reform and sustained professional development in response to Nigeria’s evolving security dynamics.