By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
India’s recent commemoration of the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor has again drawn global attention to evolving counter-terrorism strategies and the growing role of technology, doctrine and political will in modern warfare.
Operation Sindoor refers to a high-intensity Indian military and diplomatic campaign launched on May 7, 2025, following a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Marked by coordinated changes of official profile pictures by top government officials, the anniversary served not only as a symbolic gesture but also as a reaffirmation of India’s firm stance against terrorism.
Speaking recently on the operation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the operation as a defining moment in India’s security history, emphasising that it demonstrated “unparalleled courage, precision and resolve
The coordinated gesture by the External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior officials, reinforces what observers describe as a deliberate effort to institutionalise national security consciousness.
Beyond political leadership, India’s military high command has also offered deeper insight into the operation, describing it as a strategic turning point rather than a one-off response.
Former Director General of Military Operations, Lt.-Gen. Rajiv Ghai, characterised Operation Sindoor as a defining moment in India’s strategic journey.
“It has been a year to the day since Operation Sindoor was conducted, and as the then Director General of Military Operations, I look back at not only a military operation but possibly a defining moment in India’s strategic journey.”
He said the operation reflected a deliberate shift from previous approaches, as India moved to target terrorist infrastructure beyond its immediate borders.
“Operation Sindoor saw India very consciously and coherently go beyond its erstwhile approaches and methods and target terror across the Line of Control and our international boundary with Pakistan.’’
Ghai stressed that the operation was not a conclusion, but the beginning of a sustained campaign.
He said that Operation Sindoor was not an end but a beginning.
According to him, India’s fight against terror will go on, affirming that the country will continue to defend its sovereignty and citizens decisively and professionally.
He further highlighted the clarity of political direction and operational freedom granted to the armed forces.
“With precision, proportionality and clarity of purpose, it was a statement of resolve, responsibility and strategic restraint by a nation.
“From the outset, the government gave us two clear directions—clear political-military objectives and the operational flexibility to achieve these.
“The clearly stated end—to destroy and degrade terror ecosystems, disrupt their planning, and deter future aggression from these bases—was very unambiguously spelt out. Concurrently, the armed forces were entrusted with the wherewithal to plan and execute this operation,” he said.
Operationally, Indian forces reportedly struck multiple terror bases across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered territories, destroying key infrastructure linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen.
According to the Indian military, more than 100 terrorists have been killed during the strikes.
The military said it also triggered a brief but intense military exchange, including drone attacks and artillery shelling, before a ceasefire was reached following high-level military engagements between both sides.
Military experts, including retired Lt.-Gen. Sujeet Dharkar, have highlighted the unprecedented deployment of advanced systems, including long-range air defence and loitering munitions.
More so, retired Lt.-Gen. Dhruv Katoch, underscored the “zero tolerance” doctrine—an approach signalling decisive consequences for terrorist actions.
Austrian military historian, Tom Cooper, also pointed to the strategic implications of the operation, particularly its demonstration of expanded strike capability.
For Nigeria, the developments resonate strongly.
The country’s counter-terrorism efforts are largely driven by operations such as Operation Hadin Kai, alongside other internal security missions targeting banditry and violent extremism.
In spite of the recorded gains, including neutralisation of insurgents and rescue of abductees, challenges persist due to evolving tactics by non-state actors, difficult terrain and cross-border dynamics.
Against this backdrop, Operation Sindoor offers critical lessons for Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to military experts, lesson one is political will and operational clarity–a key takeaway from Operation Sindoor is the alignment between political leadership and military execution.
As Ghai’s underscored, clearly defined objectives and operational flexibility contributed to mission success.
For Nigeria, analysts say this highlights the need for sustained political commitment, clear directives and consistent policy support for the armed forces.
Lesson two, according to experts, is intelligence-led precision strikes. The operation reinforces the importance of intelligence-driven warfare and precision targeting.
Rather than broad offensives, targeted strikes based on credible intelligence can yield more effective results while minimising collateral damage.
For Nigeria, strengthening intelligence capabilities across human and technological domains remains a priority.
For experts, lesson three is technology as a force multiplier–Operation Sindoor demonstrated the growing role of drones, air defence systems and precision-guided munitions.
Stakeholders say Nigeria must continue investing in surveillance technologies, unmanned systems and data-driven operations to match evolving threats.
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, had recently underscored the importance of advanced training and technology-driven operations in strengthening the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu said modern security challenges required continuous professional training, innovation and the deployment of advanced technology to enhance operational efficiency in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
According to him, success on the battle field is no longer determined by equipment alone, but by the competence, discipline and adaptability of troops.
The army chief highlighted drone technology, combat aviation and modern training approaches as key enablers of future military operations, noting that the Army would continue to leverage such capabilities to improve performance.
Lesson four is Joint-force synergy. The operation highlighted seamless coordination among different arms of the military.
Nigeria’s joint task force model provides a foundation, but analysts emphasise the need for improved interoperability, communication systems and logistics integration.
Lesson five is doctrinal evolution. India’s shift from restraint to proactiveness reflects the importance of adapting military doctrine to changing realities.
Nigeria, experts say, must continue reviewing its strategies to address emerging threats such as drone-enabled attacks and decentralised insurgent networks.
According to analysts, lesson six is strategic communication–the coordinated national commemoration underscores the role of communication in building public confidence and unity.
In Nigeria, effective messaging can help counter misinformation and strengthen civilian support for military operations.
Lesson seven is regional collaboration. Nigeria’s participation in the Multinational Joint Task Force reflects the importance of cross-border cooperation.
However, experts call for deeper intelligence sharing and coordinated strategies to tackle transnational threats.
For policy analysts, lesson eight is self-reliance in defence. As highlighted by Ghai, the emphasis on indigenous capability points to the need for Nigeria to strengthen its local defence industry.
In spite of its lessons, analysts caution that Operation Sindoor cannot be replicated wholesale because Nigeria’s security environment differs significantly, requiring context-specific solutions that combine military, political and socio-economic approaches.
They say Operation Sindoor stands as a compelling case study in modern counter-terrorism, demonstrating how clarity of purpose, political backing and operational flexibility can shape outcomes.
According to stakeholders, the lessons for Nigeria are both instructive and urgent: the fight against terrorism demands not only force, but precision, innovation, coordination, and sustained national resolve.
All in all, it is the experts’ view that adapting these lessons to local realities could prove decisive in achieving long-term stability as the country continues its battle against insurgency and insecurity. (NANFeatures)
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.
