Kaduna, Nigeria – On Friday, President Bola Tinubu encouraged Nigeria and its Lake Chad neighbors to start changing their military doctrine and procedures. At the Armed Forces Command and Staff College’s Senior Course 45 graduation ceremony in Jaji, President Tinubu underlined the necessity for a change in strategy to deal with a “mobile and elusive irregular force” that disregards conventional military doctrine.
In a statement read by Mr. Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, President Tinubu acknowledged the difficulties that the sub-regional nations have in waging war against opponents who do not follow conventional military conventions. In order to neutralize the threat posed by these unconventional forces, the president emphasized the significance of courageously altering military plans and tactics.
President Tinubu praised the international efforts of Nigeria, Cameroon, the Niger Republic, and Chad in seeking peace and stability in the Lake Chad region, highlighting the need of cooperative efforts in confronting security challenges. In order to successfully collaborate against shared threats, he asked African countries to come together.
President Tinubu spoke to the graduating officers and explained his national security goal, emphasizing the use of state authority to ensure security, justice, and democratic prosperity. He praised the prior administration’s efforts to improve the combat readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces and promised to speed up support for the armed forces.
The President recognized the military’s crucial function in tackling violence and exploitation, one of Africa’s worst problems. He urged them to protect the continent from resource competition and shifting geopolitics. President Tinubu emphasized the necessity of comprehending how the geopolitical scene is changing and the pressing need to safeguard vital national infrastructure.
Several awards were given out at the occasion to individuals who stood out during the program. Among them were Squadron Leader S.S. Yikawe, who was honored with both the Chief of Defence Staff Award and the Chief of Air Staff Award (Departments of Joint Studies and Air Warfare, respectively), and Major A.A. Bako, who was honored with the Chief of Army Staff Award (Department of Land Warfare). The Chief of Naval Staff Award (Department of Maritime Warfare) went to Surg Lt Cdr. K.O Nwagwu, and the Commandant’s Award for Best Non-Military Student went to Dr. K.O Adams. The Ghanaian Major PJ Nartey who won the Commandant’s Prize for Best International Student.
The President applauded the Armed Forces Command and Staff College’s efforts to renovate its facilities and improve its programs. He exhorted the graduates to fulfill their constitutional duties as the country’s defenders with steadfastness and dedication.
Numerous dignitaries, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, all of the Service Chiefs, and members of the Diplomatic Corps were present for the occasion.
