The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has told soldiers that having the best guns and gadgets means nothing without the right mindset.
Speaking at a seminar in Jaji, Kaduna State, on Tuesday, Shaibu said fighting spirit, collective resolve and a shared sense of purpose are what ultimately decide victory on the battlefield.
"Superior weapons and advanced technologies alone don't guarantee victory without the needed fighting spirit," he said.
The seminar, titled "Warrior Ethos: A Tool for Building Unit Cohesion and a Combat-Ready Force," was held at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI). It was organised for officers and soldiers attending a course there.
Shaibu, represented by Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, the Commander Infantry Corps, described warrior ethos as the foundation of military professionalism and combat effectiveness. He said the seminar was designed to refresh the fighting spirit of personnel for better results in operations across the country.
Drug abuse and PTSD among troops
The army chief also raised a serious concern: the growing use of illicit drugs among some soldiers.
He said substance abuse, combined with long exposure to combat, has left some troops dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But he believes these problems can be managed through proper care and by sticking to the principles of warrior ethos.
"Courage, discipline, selfless service, resilience and loyalty are essential values that define the warrior ethos," Shaibu said. He added that cultivating these values would strengthen trust, improve unit cohesion and build the mental toughness needed for today's security challenges.
Lt Col Susan Dibal (Rtd), who also spoke at the event, said PTSD is a serious condition but can be treated. She urged personnel to seek help when needed, stressing that recovery is possible through treatment, resilience training and strong support systems.
A chief superintendent of narcotics from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kaduna State Command, Hasiya Mohammed, warned that drug abuse destroys military discipline and combat readiness. She called for stronger preventive measures, counselling and mental health support to reduce drug use among soldiers.
What warrior ethos really means
Maj.-Gen. Charles Ofoche (Rtd), the lead resource person, explained that the military exists mainly to defend Nigeria's territory and protect national interests from both internal and external threats.
He noted that insurgency, banditry, terrorism and other asymmetric threats have increased the demands on soldiers operating in tough environments.
Ofoche described warrior ethos as a mix of internal conviction and outward behaviour rooted in courage, discipline, perseverance, loyalty and self-sacrifice. He said effective warriors are shaped through training, discipline, mentorship and experience — not just natural ability.
"Warrior ethos isn't blind aggression but a professional code built on honour, duty, resilience and strategic thinking," he said.
Building a combat-ready force
Shaibu said building a combat-ready force requires more than teaching soldiers how to handle weapons and tactics. Honour, teamwork, sacrifice and a mission-first mentality must remain at the heart of military service.
"Unit cohesion thrives when personnel are united by common values, mutual trust and confidence in leadership," he said.
The Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Maj.-Gen. Peter Okoye, said the seminar aligns with the COAS' vision of a professional and adaptable force. He was represented by Maj.-Gen. MO Agi, the Deputy Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army) Lessons Learnt.
Shaibu commended officers and soldiers for their loyalty and commitment to tackling insecurity across Nigeria. He assured them of continued support and resources to carry out their duties.