Lagbaja to Commanders: Evolve New Strategy to Counter Our Dynamic Security Landscape

kechukwu Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, yesterday, ordered senior commanders of the Nigerian Army to continuously evolve new  strategies and review their counterterrorism as well as anti-banditry plans to guarantee effective and efficient management of the dynamic security landscape in the country.

Lagbaja also observed that the hybrid nature of conflict, information and cyber warfare,  increasing use of drones and robotics, and other state-based assets had brought a paradigm shift to the battlefield.

The army chief gave this order during the official opening of the 2024 Second Senior Command Leadership Seminar hosted by the Army Headquarters Garrison in Abuja.

He noted that continual review of operational strategy has become necessary as modern warfare is no longer fought on battlefields alone.

Represented by the Director General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Maj Gen Obinna Ajunwa, the COAS said the seminar was designed to equip senior commanders with the requisite skills and competencies to enhance their performance in the increasingly complex security environment of contemporary command.

Dwelling on the theme of the seminar, “Enhancing Operational Level Command and Leadership within a Joint Environment,” Lagbaja said the Nigerian Army was facing multiple security threats in highly complex and unpredictable geopolitical environments.

“You must all keep abreast with these changes as we collectively focus on developing capabilities to deal with these emerging security issues in order to build a formidable future force.

“I, therefore, urge you all to participate actively and make meaningful contributions as we continue to advance into the future. Senior leaders must be the catalyst of change and inculcate a sense of jointness and synergy among all personnel and other sister services.

“I urge you all to strengthen our preparedness and continuously review your contingency plans to ensure efficient management of your security environment.”

Earlier, the Commander, AHQ Garrison, Maj Gen Koko Isoni, said the security challenges bedeviling the country had made the seminar imperative to guide the commanders in discharging their responsibilities.

He disclosed that the objective of the seminar was to consolidate on the successes of the first edition held earlier in the year at Headquarters 82 Division.