On Tuesday, 14 July 2026, the Nigerian Army, 6 Division Headquarters, Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State, hosted a delegation from the Committee on Review of the Joint Defence Doctrine 2017 (JDD), which is tasked with formulating a revised doctrine that reflects Nigeria’s evolving security environment and contemporary military operations.
Major General Ademola Adedoja, the committee chair, guided the team in a meeting with the Division’s commanders and senior officers to elicit professional proposals for the 2026 edition of the Joint Defence Doctrine.
During the engagement, Major General Adedoja provided the committee’s background, indicating that it was initially established in 2017 to conduct periodic evaluations of the document governing the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
A communiqué released by Lieutenant Colonel Umar Adam, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Nigerian Army Public Relations, stated that the exercise is conducted under the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, who seeks to modernise the doctrine in accordance with contemporary operational requirements.
The statement indicated that the objective is to match the doctrine more closely with the security realities occurring across the country’s diverse operational theatres, a process facilitated by extensive engagement with military units and other stakeholders.
The committee chairman noted that the doctrine, typically subject to regular review, had failed to undergo two prior update cycles in 2022 and 2025, both of which were halted before completion.
In the initial week of June 2026, work commenced, with the committee focusing on logistics, command and control frameworks, technology, emerging threats, the evolving nature of combat, and inter-agency collaboration.
He emphasised that the review is contingent upon sincere, extensive participation, noting that the committee’s objective is to produce an inclusive final document grounded in authentic operating experience.
Adedoja urged the commanders, staff officers, and men from the 6 Division and other formations to provide honest and constructive input, assuring them that all submissions would be duly considered.
Major General Emmanuel Emekah, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force (South-South) Operation DELTA SAFE, was represented by Brigadier General Emmanuel Adamu, the Chief of Staff of Headquarters 6 Division Nigerian Army.
He welcomed the delegation and committed the Division’s complete support for the assessment, assuring operational contributions that would enhance the 2026 philosophy.
Senior officers utilised the interactive session to present observations and recommendations regarding doctrinal issues.