President Bola Tinubu yesterday in Kaduna said Nigeria and neighbouring countries in the Lake Chad region must display courage in reforming their military doctrines and practices.
The president said the change in tactics had become necessary because countries in the region are battling a mobile and elusive irregular force that disregards established rules of warfare.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 45 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, the president pointed out that the adversaries facing countries in the sub-region are not conventional armies engaging in traditional battlefield warfare.
The Nigerian leader, who encouraged African countries to work together against common threats, acknowledged the multinational efforts of Nigeria, Cameroon, the Niger Republic and Chad to bring peace to the Lake Chad region.
In a statement by presidential spokesman, Dele Lake, he reinforced his message that the collaboration should serve as a commendable example to be emulated and improved on wherever necessary.
‘’We must also be brave enough to reform military doctrine and practice. We do not face a conventional army on the traditional field of battle. No, we contend against mobile, elusive irregular forces that disdain the normal rules of warfare.
‘’We must adjust accordingly to subdue the menace. This shall require a change in mindset, in strategy, in tactics in equipment and in gear.
The president used the occasion to spell out his national security objective, saying it would focus on ensuring security, justice and democratic prosperity through state power.
While acknowledging the commitment of the immediate-past government in enhancing the combat readiness of the Nigerian armed forces, the president pledged to “pick up the pace,” by providing the necessary support for the military.
‘’As commander-in-chief, I have given myself the following charge: to deploy the entire machinery of state power to ensure security of our people and property in a just and democratic society.
‘’Under my predecessor, the armed forces worked tirelessly toward necessary reforms to enhance combat effectiveness and operational capability. We must now pick up the pace,” he said.
President Tinubu described the role of the armed forces in combatting Africa’s greatest challenge of violence and exploitation as crucial, urging them to defend the continent from geopolitical changes and resource competition.
At the ceremony, many of the participants who distinguished themselves were awarded various prizes. Squadron Leader S.S Yikawe got both the Chief of Defence Staff Award (Department of Joint Studies) and Chief of Air Staff Award (Department of Air Warfare) prize. Major A.A Bako was awarded for Chief of Army Staff Award (Department of Land Warfare) while Surg Lt Cdr. K.O Nwagwu got the prize for Chief of Naval Staff Award (Department of Maritime Warfare).
Dr. K.O Adams got the prize for the Commandant’s Award for Best Non-military Student. Major PJ Nartey from Ghana won the Commandant’s Award for Best International Student.
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