President Bola Tinubu on Friday urged the country and its neighboring nations in the Lake Chad region to adopt a more courageous approach to reforming their military doctrine and practices.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 45 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji on Friday, the President emphasized the need for a shift in tactics due to the ongoing battle against a “mobile and elusive irregular force” that operates outside established rules of warfare.
The President acknowledged that the adversaries faced by countries in the sub-region do not conform to conventional armies engaged in traditional battlefield warfare.
As African countries strive to combat common threats, Tinubu praised the multinational efforts of Nigeria, Cameroon, the Niger Republic, and Chad in their collective pursuit of peace in the Lake Chad region.
He emphasized that such collaboration should serve as an exemplary model to be emulated and improved upon whenever necessary.
“In our pursuit to subdue this menace, we must be brave enough to reform military doctrine and practice. The irregular forces we face defy conventional warfare norms, necessitating a change in mindset, strategy, tactics, equipment, and gear,” President Tinubu stated.
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Outlining his National Security Objective, Tinubu emphasized the importance of ensuring security, justice, and democratic prosperity through the effective deployment of state power.
He commended the efforts of the immediate-past government in enhancing the combat readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces and pledged to accelerate the provision of necessary support to the military.
As President Tinubu addressed the 291 graduating officers, he recognized the critical role of the armed forces in combatting Africa’s greatest challenge of violence and exploitation. He called on them to protect the continent from geopolitical changes and resource competition, highlighting the urgency of defending both land and resources, along with the people and their democratic existence.
Addressing graduates from Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as students from Asia and other African nations, the President stressed that national security extends beyond military might to building friendships and alliances based on cooperation, justice, good governance, and mutual respect.
Amidst the ceremony, various participants who displayed exceptional performance were awarded prizes, with Squadron Leader S.S Yikawe receiving both the Chief of Defence Staff Award (Department of Joint Studies) and the Chief of Air Staff Award (Department of Air Warfare) prizes. Major A.A Bako was recognized with the Chief of Army Staff Award (Department of Land Warfare), and Surg K.O Nwagwu received the prize for Chief of Naval Staff Award (Department of Maritime Warfare).
The Commandant’s Award for Best Non-military Student was presented to K.O Adams, while Major PJ Nartey from Ghana secured the Commandant’s Award for Best International Student.
Notable dignitaries, including Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Ibrahim Kana, all the Service Chiefs, and members of the Diplomatic Corps, graced the vibrant occasion.
(omayowa@globalfinancialdigest.com; Newsroom: +234 8033 964 138)
