The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger legal capacity within the Nigerian Army to ensure that the ongoing expansion of the force is matched by strict compliance with international humanitarian law, human rights and military justice.
Shaibu made the call on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, while declaring open a specialised training workshop for officers of the Directorate of Legal Services (Army) in Abuja.
The workshop, themed “The Role of Legal Officers in Advising Commanders on Compliance with International Humanitarian Law and Military Justice System,” is aimed at enhancing the capacity of Army legal practitioners to provide timely and operationally relevant advice to commanders.
Represented at the event by the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Isa Abdullahi, the COAS said the expansion of the Nigerian Army, including the establishment and operationalisation of new formations and units, had increased the responsibilities of commanders and military legal advisers.
He noted that the Army’s growing presence in emerging security flashpoints across the country had also made operational environments more complex, requiring commanders at all levels to have access to sound, practical and timely legal guidance.
According to him, the expansion of the Army goes beyond increasing the number of formations, units and personnel, stressing that it must also involve strengthening the professional, administrative and institutional structures required to maintain a disciplined, effective and accountable fighting force.
Shaibu said the workshop would expose legal officers to emerging issues in modern warfare, including civilian harm mitigation, protection of medical personnel and facilities, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and autonomous weapon systems.
He emphasised the importance of the principles of military necessity, humanity, distinction, proportionality and precaution in military operations.
The COAS said adherence to these principles would enable troops to achieve legitimate military objectives while protecting civilians and preserving public confidence in the armed forces.
He further urged legal officers attached to newly established formations and units to be adequately prepared to provide advice to commanders at the strategic, operational and tactical levels.
Shaibu explained that effective legal support would assist commanders in translating constitutional provisions, applicable international laws, statutory military frameworks and Rules of Engagement into lawful and decisive actions in complex operational environments.
He described military lawyers as critical to maintaining discipline and accountability within the force, stressing that their responsibility extends to ensuring that the exercise of military power remains firmly anchored on the rule of law.
The COAS said strengthening the Army’s legal capacity was therefore an important component of the broader transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.
Earlier, the Acting Director of Legal Services (Army), Colonel Samson Okebukola, said the training would improve the ability of legal officers to understand operational realities and provide appropriate legal guidance during military operations and support to civil authorities.
Okebukola said the Nigerian Army’s commitment to lawful operations was reflected in its application of international humanitarian law during Operation HADIN KAI, as well as its efforts to protect fundamental rights guaranteed under Chapter Four of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, during internal security operations, including Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
He described military legal officers as “soldier-jurists”, saying they play a critical role in taking the rule of law into operational environments by integrating legal considerations into military planning, execution, discipline and accountability.
The Acting Director stressed that fair trial, procedural justice and disciplined application of force remained essential to maintaining the credibility of the military justice system and the legitimacy of military operations.
He added that improving the professional competence of legal officers would become increasingly important as the Nigerian Army expands its formations, units and operational footprint across the country.
According to him, stronger legal support would enhance commanders’ decision-making, protect civilians and military personnel, reinforce accountability and ultimately strengthen the Army’s ability to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.