Threats: Tinubu calls on African countries to work together 

President Bola Tinubu has encouraged African countries to work together against common threats and acknowledged the multinational efforts of Nigeria, Cameroon, the Niger Republic, and Chad to bring peace to the Lake Chad region. 

President Tinubu said Nigeria and the neighbouring countries in the Lake Chad region must display courage in reforming their military doctrine and practices.

He stated this on Friday in Kaduna at the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 45 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy confirmed in a statement. 

According to the President, the change in tactics had become necessary because the countries in the region were battling a “mobile and elusive irregular force” that disregarded established rules of warfare.

Tinubu pointed out that the adversaries facing countries in the sub-region are not conventional armies engaging in traditional battlefield warfare.

The Nigerian leader maintained that 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 also used the occasion to spell out his National Security Objective, saying it would focus on ensuring security, justice, and democratic prosperity through state power.

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He further acknowledged the commitment of the immediate-past government in enhancing the combat readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, pledging to “pick up the pace,” by providing the necessary support to the military.

”As Commander-in-Chief, I have given myself the following charge: to deploy the entire machinery of state power to ensure the 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.”

President Tinubu described the role of the armed forces in combating Africa’s greatest challenge of violence and exploitation as crucial, urging them to defend the continent from geopolitical changes and resource competition.

”We live in a moment of flux. Geopolitical change is afoot. Old alliances and assumptions are being tested as new ones are being shaped. Trade and global economic activity are fast, yet fragile and easily disrupted by war, weather, or pandemic.

”Underlying it all is the often unspoken but urgent competition for precious resources. Water, food, gold, oil, and other items have all been placed in the contest.

”In too many instances, the contest turns violent. Areas that should blossom into economic prosperity and hope become factories of pillage and oppression.

”In Africa, this condition is perhaps our greatest challenge and harshest injustice.

”Your role in combating this grave evil is crucial. We call on you to defend not only our land and resources but our people and their democratic existence.

”Your training was sculpted to fit the imperatives of our times.” 

He also commended the graduates from Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as students from Asia and sister African nations. 

More so, he said the presence of graduating students from Asia and Africa was a testimony that national security is not solely achieved through muscle and might, but by building friendships and alliances based on cooperation, justice, good governance, and mutual respect.

”Notwithstanding the demands of your training, I hope you have enjoyed our customary Nigerian friendliness as well because Nigeria is one of the most hospitable countries you can find. We have opened our arms like friends and brothers to you.

”To the graduating students from Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, you have warranted the confidence of your respective organizations.

”The knowledge gained here will prove invaluable in our mission to harmonize all aspects of government policy and programs toward the twin goals of national security and national prosperity.

”I leave you with a charge much like the one I gave myself. Your nation has invested much in your training. 

”Much faith has been placed upon your broad shoulders. Our collective safety rests in your hands.

”Your graduation today is a call to greater duty for the nation you love. May you stand brave and unwavering in the discharge of your constitutional responsibilities and may you always do honour to the sterling name of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College,” President Tinubu beseeched the graduands.