The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has tasked members of the the armed forces of Nigeria and other security to work together in confronting security challenges confronting the nation.
Ribadu stated this Tuesday at the commissioning of a Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre in Abuja.
” I encourage you to imbibe the attitude of practicing jointness. This is based on the fact that development in modern warfare has shown that jointness is the way forward,” he said.
Ribadu who lauded heads of security agencies in the country for improved collaboration since their appointment , highlighted the importance of jointness in an operational environment.
He said: “My remarks here will highlight the importance of this centre in promoting joint doctrine, guiding operations and enhancing warfare planing in our armed forces.
“As we gather to commission this Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre today, our ambition of having a great armed forces is being revitalized.
“It will serve a hub for knowledge sharing, as well as research and development in modern warfare.
“As we commission this centre, we embark on the journey of the Nigerian military characterized by enhanced collaboration, creativity and critical thinking to strengthen our capabilities and effectiveness.
“As we embark on this journey I ask everyone to embrace the spirit of innovation, team work and common learning. “
He charged the armed forces to harness the potential of the centre to drive progress, complex challenges and shape the future of the armed forces.
“As we move forward, it’s our hope that this centre will meet the expectations of our national aspiration, drive innovation and make positive impact on our desire to advance our military in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, said there is no service or security agencies that can tackle Nigeria’s security challenges alone, hence the need for all security agencies to work together.
He said: “Today is a pivotal moment to our armed forces and testament to our commitment in safeguarding our nation.
“For long the complexities of modern warfare has demanded a more integrated and joint approach.
“As we have seen first hand, no single service or organization can address the multifaceted threats that we face.
“The battles we face must be confronted in joint domain requiring seamless collaboration, shared understanding and a common strategic vision.”
The CDS noted that the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre will serve as a hub from where collective intellect from the services and other security agencies will converge make sure that they fight better and more efficiently.
” We will analyze emerging threats, experiment with innovative tactics and prepare our forces to fight as one cohesive units regardless of their individual service affiliations.
“The center an environment of continuous learning, critical thinking and inter- service dialogue. It will be a place where we breakdown the problem, where ground forces understand the intricacies of naval power, where airmen appreciate the challenges of special operations, and where all branches learn to leverage each others strength to achieve overwhelming superiority,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Operations Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, said the establishment of the centre was to consolidate jointness in the armed of Nigeria and to address inherent challenges in some joint operational areas.
“These are challenges that require integrated defence doctrine and supporting structures.
“It is this gap that the joint doctrine and warfare centre seeks to fill,” he said.
He added that the centre is also in line with the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs’ leadership concepts which speak to operating in joint environment.