Nigerian Army begins process to update 2017 defence doctrine
Nigerian Army Hosts Review Committee for Joint Defence Doctrine
Port Harcourt, Rivers State — July 14, 2026
The 6 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt welcomed a delegation from the Committee on Review of the Joint Defence Doctrine 2017 on Tuesday, aiming to revise military doctrine to reflect Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and contemporary operational needs.
Major General Ademola Adedoja, chair of the review committee, led discussions with division commanders and senior officers to gather professional insights for the forthcoming 2026 edition of the Joint Defence Doctrine.
Adedoja provided context for the committee’s formation, which originally occurred in 2017 to facilitate ongoing reviews of the guiding document for the Armed Forces of Nigeria. According to a statement from Lieutenant Colonel Umar Adam, acting deputy director of public relations for the division, the initiative is driven by instructions from Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, who seeks to update the doctrine in light of current military requirements.
The committee’s objective is to align the Joint Defence Doctrine with the security situations across various operational areas in Nigeria. This effort involves extensive consultations with military units and relevant stakeholders.
Major General Adedoja noted that the doctrine had missed two previous update cycles in 2022 and 2025, which were not completed. The latest review process commenced in early June 2026, focusing on key areas including logistics, command and control, technological advancements, emerging threats, the changing nature of warfare, and inter-agency collaboration.
He emphasized the importance of honest and comprehensive consultations, stating that the intent is to develop an inclusive document informed by real-world operational experiences.
Adedoja encouraged commanders and staff to contribute candidly, assuring participants that all submissions would be thoughtfully considered.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, was represented by Brigadier General Emmanuel Adamu, Chief of Staff at Headquarters 6 Division. Adamu affirmed the division’s full support for the review process and committed to providing operational input to enhance the 2026 doctrine.
During the interactive session, senior officers presented their observations and recommendations regarding doctrinal issues, contributing to a collaborative effort to refine military strategies.
