Why Nigerian military should prioritize operational training – Security expert
Ani Bassey
The Nigerian Military has been urged to prioritise operational training in order to strengthen the country’s national security.
An expert in strategic military studies and retired former commandant of Nigeria’s National Defence College, Rear Admiral Makanjuola Kadiri made the call during the graduation lecture in honour of Naval Warfare Course 8 participants.
Rear Admiral Kadiri, who was hosted by the Commandant Naval War College Nigeria, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, spoke on the theme: “Optimising Operational Level Training For Enhanced National Security”.
He noted that effective operational training, which was critical for the protection of the core values and interest of a state, would enable military personnel acquire skills relevant for tackling existential threats to national security.
He said, “a major determinant for the effectiveness of the armed forces to contribute to national security is the level of preparedness or what we call force readiness.
“Warfare keeps evolving – cyber warfare, information warfare, urban warfare involving non-state actors. Technology continues to change the battle space, economic and social issues continue to take centre stage.
“The military must be agile enough to adapt to the changing nature of warfare. A commander has the responsibility of developing training, the training delivery, methodology, which also includes simulations and then review the training outcomes,” he advised.
In a remark sequel to the lecture, the Special Guest of Honour, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, who is the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), commended the Warfare Course 8 participants for rounding off the programme.
Rear Admiral Akinwande described the graduation lecture as “a good takeaway package” for the 24 participants recalling with nostalgia his own participation at the Naval War College as pioneers.
He also acknowledged the support of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as well as appreciated the NWC Commandant, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed and members of facilities for their efforts.
