By Augustine Ehikioya
The Army Headquarters Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), Army Warrant Officer SY Ibrahim, on Thursday, 5 March, 2026 paid a regimental visit to Headquarters 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, Katsina.
In the State, he toured the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility and engaged troops in mentorship and professional guidance aimed at strengthening discipline and regimentation within the formation.
In his company were Army Warrant Officer Olayinka Ogunsola, RSM Army Headquarters Garrison; Army Warrant Officer Jibril Danladi, RSM Warrant Officers’ Academy; and Master Warrant Officer Idris Mohammed, RSM Nigerian Army School of Infantry.
The visit, undertaken at the behest of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, is part of ongoing efforts to reinforce the critical role of RSMs in mentoring soldiers and sustaining the regimental system across formations and units of the Nigerian Army.
During the engagement with troops, according to a statement by Captain Abayomi Adisa, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), the RSMs addressed several issues central to operational effectiveness and professional conduct.
These included the responsible use of the social media, conduct at checkpoints and strict adherence to document security procedures.
The delegation also emphasised the importance of upholding the warrior ethos, maintaining fighting spirit and remaining committed to the core values of the Nigerian Army.
Particular attention was given to the vital leadership responsibilities of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers in mentoring subordinates and sustaining discipline and regimental standards within their formations and units.
The troops were also cautioned against compromising with locals during internal security operations and reminded of the need to strictly adhere to the Rules of Engagement.
The apolitical nature of the Nigerian Army was also reiterated, with troops warned against involvement in partisan politics.
Welfare and administrative issues affecting troops such as pay and allowances, leaves and passes, Absence Without Official Leave protocols, among others were also discussed.
The RSMs, the statement added, further stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable members of military communities, particularly widows, while also reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual exploitation and abuse during internal security operations.
Other issues highlighted during the engagement included regimentation and core values, burial protocols, responsible use of social media and dangers associated with betting and gambling, cultism, drug abuse and drunkenness.
In his remarks, the Commander 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ishaya Ibrahim, appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for the initiative and acknowledged the important role played by RSMs in strengthening discipline, regimentation and professionalism in the Nigerian Army.
He assured that Headquarters 17 Brigade will continue to uphold the directives and vision of the Chief of Army Staff while sustaining high standards of discipline and operational effectiveness within the Brigade.
The visit ended with the presentation of mememtos to the visiting RSMs by the Brigade Commander.
