Katsinatimes - ABUJA — 6 October 2026:
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed legal officers of the Nigerian Army to strengthen their capacity to provide timely and practical legal advice to commanders as the military expands its formations and operational presence across the country.
Shaibu gave the directive on Tuesday while declaring open a specialised training workshop for officers of the Directorate of Legal Services (Army) in Abuja.
Represented by the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Isa Abdullahi, the COAS said the expansion of the Nigerian Army must be accompanied by stronger institutional mechanisms for compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL), human rights standards and military justice.
He said the growing complexity of security operations required commanders at strategic, operational and tactical levels to have access to sound legal guidance when making operational decisions.
According to him, the Army’s expansion goes beyond increasing its formations, units and personnel, but also requires stronger professional, administrative and institutional structures to maintain a disciplined, effective and accountable force.
The workshop, themed “The Role of Legal Officers in Advising Commanders on Compliance with International Humanitarian Law and Military Justice System,” is aimed at improving the capacity of military lawyers to advise commanders on issues including civilian protection, mitigation of civilian harm, protection of medical personnel and facilities, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and autonomous weapon systems.
Shaibu stressed the importance of observing the principles of military necessity, humanity, distinction, proportionality and precaution in military operations.
He said adherence to the principles would help the Army achieve its operational objectives while protecting civilians and maintaining public confidence in military operations.
The COAS further urged legal officers attached to newly established formations and units to prepare themselves to provide effective legal support as the Army’s operational footprint expands.
He said military lawyers must help commanders translate constitutional provisions, applicable international law, military statutes and Rules of Engagement into lawful and effective operational decisions.
Shaibu described military legal officers as having a dual responsibility of maintaining discipline within the force and ensuring that the exercise of military power remains subject to the rule of law.
He added that strengthening the Army’s legal capacity was an important component of its broader transformation 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 legal officers’ understanding of operational realities and strengthen their ability to provide appropriate legal guidance during military operations and support to civil authorities.
Okebukola said the Army’s commitment to lawful operations was reflected in its application of IHL principles in Operation HADIN KAI and its observance of fundamental rights guaranteed under Chapter Four of the 1999 Constitution during internal security operations, including Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
He described military legal officers as “soldier-jurists” responsible for integrating legal considerations into operational planning, execution, discipline and accountability.
The acting director said 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 strengthen commanders’ decision-making, protect civilians and military personnel, reinforce accountability and enhance the Army’s ability to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.
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