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Launched book on warrior ethos for troops
By Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, on Thursday said the Nigerian Armed Forces must imbibe warrior ethos, which are the hallmarks of resilience, discipline, and mental fortitude of the soldier, to win the fight against terrorists, banditry, kidnapping, and other security challenges bedevilling the country.
The CDS also said that warrior ethos should not be limited to the battlefield but ingrained in the political, economic, and social fabrics of our nation, to inspire patriotism, discipline, and national service, which must be upheld as the defining principles of our national identity.
The CDS gave the charge at the presentation of the book, Warrior Ethos in Perspective, authored by Major General Charles Ofoche (retd), in Abuja.
While noting that warrior ethos exudes an unyielding code of conduct that embodies courage, discipline, selflessness, vigilance, and an unbreakable will to serve, the CDS said, “This ethos remains the backbone of military effectiveness and national security.”
He said, “For us in the Nigerian Armed Forces, the lessons in this book are indispensable and remain vital in the conduct of our operations across the country.”
“As we continue to confront contemporary security challenges, including insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other asymmetric threats, the need for a strong warrior ethos among our personnel cannot be overemphasised.
“Our men and women in uniform must not only be equipped with superior firepower but also with the unshakeable mental and emotional resolve to defend our nation at all costs.”
Gen. Musa, while noting the importance of technology and strategy, which according to him shape modern battles, said, “It is the resilience, discipline, and mental fortitude of the soldier that determines victory in the face of adversity.”
He said, “This book is not just a literary contribution but a profound reflection on the values, sacrifices, and indomitable spirit that define our noble profession of arms.”
“The character of warfare has evolved significantly due to advancements in technology, asymmetric threats, and unconventional battlefronts.
“Notwithstanding, no level of sophistication in warfare can replace the essence of the warrior ethos as aptly captured by our esteemed writer.
“Warrior ethos exudes an unyielding code of conduct that embodies courage, discipline, selflessness, vigilance, and an unbreakable will to serve.
“In the book, General Ofoche’s insights into regimentation, courage, discipline, and a resilient spirit serve as a framework on how we can refine our training doctrines, enhance soldier preparedness, and reinforce leadership initiatives that inspire patriotism and commitment.
“These values are not just military imperatives, but are national imperatives that every Nigerian, military or civilian, should embrace in service to our great nation.
“As military leaders, we must take heed of the author’s call for a leadership structure that nurtures warrior ethos at all levels.
“The development of true warriors requires consistent mentorship, rigorous training, and a culture that rewards valour, integrity, and selfless service.
“It is our duty to ensure that our troops remain battle-ready, physically and mentally fit, and unwavering in their loyalty to our fatherland.”
The CDS, who commended Major General Charles Ofoche for the remarkable contribution to military literature, said, “His vast experience, intellectual depth, and passion for the armed forces are evident in every page of this book, Warrior Ethos in Perspective.
“It is not just a military manual but a philosophical masterpiece and a roadmap for strengthening the moral and operational fibre of our forces. I encourage everyone, whether military personnel, policymakers, academics, or young leaders, to read this book, internalise its lessons, and apply its wisdom in their respective spheres of influence.”
In his address, Major General Ofoche, a one-time Director General of the Armed Forces Research and Development Bureau, said he was inspired to write the book because, “We all owe it to Nigeria to make it a better place by being solution seekers, good role models to prevent those without good conscience taking over the space with evil.”
He said, “War defines co-existence in life. You fight nation’s wars, you fight economic wars, you fight internal family wars.
“The military worldwide serves two purposes: prosecution of war and preservation of peace. Wars come out of conflict of interest, out of fear, and the will to win. To be successful in wartime, troops must possess a winning mindset and the right equipment.”
Continuing, he said, “Recent global events are a pointer that war will not go away so soon. It is not about whether war will happen again in Nigeria, for instance; it is about when and how. Are we prepared for it?
“This book presents an opportunity to intentionally build resilience, courage. It serves to inculcate more warrior ethos in not only the military but among all Nigerians about war, and the armed forces should be prepared in the line of warrior ethos.”
Dignitaries at the book launch included former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; Mr John Ajirogene Owan; Major Gen. Solomon Udounwa (retd); Members of NDA 38 Regular Course; Major General Adeniyi Oyebade (retd); Major General Ochai (Commandant NDA); Mr Sunday Dare; Dr Tayo Aduloju; Major Gen. Manu Yusuf (retd); Brig. Gen. Hassan Lai (retd); among other top personalities.