By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged participants of Army War College Nigeria Course 10/2026 to embrace innovation and leverage indigenous technological solutions for enhanced national defence.
Shaibu gave the charge during the inauguration of the course in Friday in Abuja.
He emphasised that the College remains a vital pillar of the Nigerian Army’s professional military education system, bridging the gap between tactical and strategic operations.
The COAS noted that participants, drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and allied countries, are being groomed to translate national and military strategic objectives into effective operational plans.
He underscored the importance of homegrown research and development, urging officers to foster innovation within their formations and integrate locally developed solutions into operational activities.
“As operational-level commanders, you must play vital roles in fostering innovation in your troops and articulating research and development efforts within your areas of deployment,” he said.
Highlighting the Nigerian Army’s commitment to confronting terrorism and insurgency, the COAS stressed the need for officers to adopt adaptive and radical approaches in addressing complex security challenges.
He urged participants to question assumptions, broaden perspectives, and deepen understanding of leadership, warfare, and strategy.
The army chief also commended the Commandant, faculty, and staff of the College for their professionalism, describing them as key drivers in shaping the intellectual capacity and ethical foundations of the Army’s future leaders.
He reaffirmed the College’s role in advancing his command philosophy of a professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force.
The inaugural lecture, titled “Harnessing Indigenous Technological Innovations for Enhanced National Defence”, was delivered by former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin.
Olonisakin provided participants with strategic insights on leveraging local solutions for national security.
Earlier, the Commandant of the college, Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali, said the college remains a pivotal institution in preparing senior officers capable of interpreting complex security challenges and responding decisively.
Alkali explained that the course, structured around eight comprehensive modules, brings together officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and allied nations.
He highlighted the course theme, “Enhancing Indigenous Technological Innovations for Enhanced National Defence,” stressing the importance of developing sustainable national capabilities through homegrown solutions while fostering leadership, interagency cooperation, and strategic collaboration.
“In an era defined by volatility and persistent threats, informed and adaptive leadership is indispensable,” he said.
According to the course brief, course 10 formally commenced on Feb. 2, comprisind 100 participants, including 85 officers of the Nigerian Army, two officers of the Nigerian Navy, and two officers of the Nigerian Air Force.
The course also includes allied officers from friendly nations, with one each from Botswana, Chad, Guinea, Liberia, and the Republic of Congo, as well as two each from Cameroon, Ghana, and South Africa.
The college also welcomed its first female participant, an allied officer from South Africa, marking a significant milestone in its history.
Participants from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies will join the course only during Module Three, which focuses on interagency cooperation and coordination in military operations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
