The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS), Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, has described Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) of the Nigerian Army as the vital bridge between officers and soldiers within the military hierarchy.
The GOC who was represented by the Chief of Staff (COS) Headquarters 6 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Emmanuel Adamu made this assertion on Monday, 18 May 2026, while serving as the Special Guest of Honour at a One-Day Seminar organised by the Commander, 6 Division Garrison/Sector 3 Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, Brigadier General Abubakar Bello, for troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation DELTA SAFE.
This is contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Umar Adam Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Nigerian Army Public Relations Issued to newsmen.
It said the seminar, held at Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya Badminton Court, Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State, was themed: “Operational Readiness: Understanding Psychological Distress, Strengthening Psychological Resilience, Leadership Sensitivity and Behavioural Discipline.”
Speaking during the event, Brigadier General Adamu stated that Senior Non-Commissioned Officers occupy a strategic position within the Nigerian Army, serving as a crucial link between officers and soldiers. He noted that their role places them in a unique position to identify challenges affecting troops and foster discipline, morale, and operational effectiveness within formations. The Chief of Staff explained that the seminar was organised to deepen understanding of psychological distress, strengthen psychological resilience, and address behavioural concerns among troops and within the barracks community.
He further stated that the aim of the seminar was to equip SNCOs with vital skills necessary to identify behavioural and psychological issues among subordinates, draw the attention of appropriate authorities to such concerns, and contribute meaningfully towards practical solutions.
Describing SNCOs as critical stakeholders in maintaining discipline and professionalism within the barracks environment, Brigadier General Adamu commended the Commander 6 Division Garrison for the initiative, describing it as timely and laudable. Therefore, he urged participants to actively engage in the sessions and apply the knowledge gained in their various units and formations.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander 6 Division Garrison/Sector 3 OPDS, Brigadier General Abubakar Bello, stated that the seminar was conceived in response to the growing need to address psychological distress, behavioural discipline, and leadership sensitivity among troops. He noted that the seminar specifically targeted Senior Non-Commissioned Officers because of their important role as a bridge between officers and junior ranks, adding that their position makes them instrumental in promoting cohesion, discipline, and troop welfare.
Brigadier General Bello assured participants that similar seminars would be conducted continuously to ensure troops of Headquarters 6 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 3 OPDS remain psychologically resilient, professionally grounded, and operationally prepared in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy, which emphasizes that training remains a key pillar of military professionalism and one of the best forms of welfare for troops. He stressed that troop welfare goes beyond financial benefits, noting that mental wellbeing, professional development, and preparedness are essential in addressing contemporary security challenges. Highlights of the seminar included presentations by resource persons, presentation of souvenirs, and a group photograph.
