Defence Minister Tasks 27 Newly Promoted Army Generals To Lead With Courage, Integrity

The Nigerian Army, on Wednesday, decorated 27 newly promoted senior officers to their new rank of Major General with a charge to continue to display loyalty, professionalism and commitment.

The 27 officers were recently promoted from the rank of Brigadier General, one of whom, Brig.-Gen. ZA Saidu, was posthumously promoted to the rank of Major General.

The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, urged the newly promoted Major Generals to embrace strategic leadership, uphold professional excellence, and remain steadfast in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.

He said their promotion reflected not only recognition of past achievements but also the nation’s confidence in their ability to shoulder greater responsibilities.

According to him, rising to this height in the military profession requires resilience under pressure, courage in the face of adversity, moral integrity in decision-making, and an unshakable commitment to national service.

“Each of the senior officers before us today has demonstrated exceptional command capability, staff proficiency and strategic insight, making them worthy of this honour,” he said.

The minister commended the Chief of Army Staff, Army Council, and senior leadership for maintaining the integrity and credibility of the promotion process.

He stressed that the Army operates in an increasingly complex security environment, requiring adaptable, visionary, and courageous leaders.

“Your elevation today places you in a unique position. You are being entrusted with strategic-level responsibilities that directly impact the success, cohesion and future trajectory of the Nigerian Army.

“The baton is passed from one generation of officers to the next. It is your responsibility to not only uphold the standards of your predecessors but to surpass them.

“Lead by example, demonstrating humility, firmness in decision-making, compassion for your subordinates, and loyalty to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief,” he said.

Gen. Musa (rtd) also acknowledged the critical role of families, describing their support as a “silent but powerful contribution to national security.”

“Embrace this new responsibility with courage and renewed patriotism. Lead with wisdom, act with integrity, command with compassion, and remain unwavering in the defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt -Gen. Waidi Shaibu, charged them to demonstrate a higher level of professionalism, strategic foresight and loyalty as they assume greater responsibilities in the Nigerian Army.

Shiabu said the promotion recognised years of sacrifice and merit, adding that the officers now occupy a tier where their decisions will directly shape national security outcomes.

He said the nation was confronted by evolving threats ranging from terrorism and banditry to other asymmetric challenges, which require adaptive thinking and reform-driven leadership.

Shaibu told the officers that their elevation demands a new level of commitment to strengthening operational efficiency across all theatres of operation.

“Our expectations are high. Our troops on the front lines must feel your leadership, and our citizens must feel the impact of your decisions,” he said.

The COAS reminded the Generals that the Nigerian Army remains the cornerstone of national stability, adding that their loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief, the Constitution and the Nigerian people must remain unwavering.

He stressed the importance of exemplary conduct and urged them to deepen collaboration with sister services, intelligence agencies, paramilitary organisations and civilian stakeholders.

According to him, no single agency can tackle Nigeria’s complex security challenges alone.

Lit-Gen. Shaibu highlighted Nigeria’s responsibility in fostering stability across the West African sub-region, saying the Army must continue to support regional efforts to counter violent extremism and secure shared borders.

He encouraged officers who were not promoted to remain focused, adding that progression in the military is deliberate and based on merit, integrity and professionalism.

The Army chief commended families of the newly promoted generals for their silent sacrifices, saying that no officer succeeds alone.

He urged the officers to wear their new ranks with pride, embrace humility and commit to renewed service.
Shaibu expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support of the Army and congratulated the officers on their elevation, wishing them success in their new command roles.

In his vote of thanks, one of the newly decorated officers, Maj.-Gen. Francis Omatai, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving their promotion.
He described the elevation as both an honour and a renewed call to higher responsibility in service to the nation.

Omatai pledged the resolve of the newly decorated senior officers to recommit themselves to the service of the Army and the nation at large.