The Nigerian Army has urged Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) to strengthen discipline, mentorship and professional standards among troops to sustain operational effectiveness.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, gave the charge on Tuesday in Benin at the opening of the Second Nigerian Army Regimental Sergeant Majors Convention 2026.
Shaibu, represented by Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Abai, Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, said the call was necessary amid the planned expansion of the force from eight to 12 divisions
According to him, the Federal Government’s approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel and expansion of the Army’s structure requires deliberate efforts to preserve military values and regimentation.
The COAS said RSMs must ensure that the expansion did not result in a decline in discipline, professional conduct and military standards.
The convention has the theme: “Building a Professional, Resilient and Combat-Ready Nigerian Army: The Role of RSMs as Catalysts for Transformation and Effective Leadership.”
The chief of army staff described RSMs as custodians of regimentation, guardians of discipline, mentors to soldiers and a vital link between commanders and personnel.
He said their responsibilities went beyond enforcing military customs, saluting and ensuring smart turnout.
He stressed that their true value was reflected in the conduct of soldiers, particularly when operating without direct supervision.
“You must be approachable without compromising authority, firm without being unnecessarily harsh and compassionate without sacrificing professional standards.
“Above all, you must be the embodiment of the standard you expect others to uphold because soldiers are more likely to emulate what their leaders consistently demonstrate than what they merely preach,” he said.
Shaibu urged the RSMs to take particular interest in the orientation, mentorship and professional development of newly recruited personnel.
He noted that standards established during their formative years would influence their conduct throughout their military careers.
He also identified drug and substance abuse, gambling, absenteeism and misuse of social media as contemporary behavioural challenges requiring attention within the Army.
He called for practical solutions to prevent misconduct, strengthen early intervention mechanisms and reinforce the values of professional military service.
He stressed the importance of personnel welfare, urging RSMs to identify genuine concerns among soldiers and bring them to the attention of commanders through established channels.
Effective discipline, he said, could not be sustained through punishment alone but also required positive leadership, consistent standards, mentorship and a strong sense of belonging among personnel.
Yhe Chief of Administration, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Isah Abdullahi, in his remarks said the RSM institution was critical to translating the COAS’s command philosophy into practical outcomes across formations and units.
Abdullahi, represented by Brig.-Gen. M.J. Gambo, said combat readiness depended not only on weapons, equipment and training but also on discipline, motivation, mental resilience and professionally committed personnel.
He urged participants to use the convention to share practical experiences, identify challenges affecting their formations and develop solutions to improve personnel management.
He also emphasised mentorship, saying young soldiers required leaders who could guide, correct and encourage them through personal example.
According to him, welfare concerns should be identified early and addressed before they develop into major disciplinary or administrative problems.
In his address of welcome, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Auwal Mahmuda, described RSMs as a vital pillar of military discipline, professionalism and the preservation of the Army’s customs and traditions.
Mahmuda said the convention provided an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and experiences towards building a disciplined, professional and responsive Nigerian Army.
He also appreciated other security agencies participating in the convention for their collaboration in addressing insecurity in Edo and the country.
NAN reports that more than 200 RSMs are participating in the three-day convention.
The event brought together senior non-commissioned officers from different Army formations and units, alongside personnel from sister services and other security agencies. (NAN)
