In its efforts to achieve operational effectiveness, the Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its readiness to continue investing in commanders and other security agents.

This, according to the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, will help them make sound decisions, lead with confidence, and adapt to dynamic operational environments.

The Army Chief stated this on Monday in his welcome remarks while declaring open the 8 Division Operations Planning Cadre at the Division’s auditorium in Sokoto.

He described the Operations Planning Cadre as an important aspect of training that seeks to educate officers and warrant officers, equipping them with the necessary tools for operation planning and problem-solving.

“Good leadership is essential in the conduct of military operations. Improving leadership skills in the Nigerian Army, especially among junior commanders, is one of the Chief of Army Staff’s training objectives for 2025.”

“The selection of this year’s Operations Planning Cadre theme—‘Authentic Leadership at All Levels of Command: A Prerequisite for Enhanced Operational Effectiveness’—underscores the importance of leadership.”

“The ability of commanders to make sound decisions, lead with confidence, and adapt to dynamic operational environments directly impacts mission success and operational effectiveness,” he said.

This, he added, would no doubt contribute to achieving the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy: “To consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.”

“This cadre, therefore, provides an opportunity for participants to refine their leadership and planning skills through interactive sessions, practical exercises, and shared experiences.”

“The current security challenges facing our nation and our area of responsibility dictate that a whole-of-government and society approach is necessary. No single service or security agency can tackle these challenges alone. The cadre will involve participation from different services and other security agencies.”

“In a joint environment like ours, where coordination between different services and agencies is crucial, our operations no longer exist in isolation. They require collaboration across multiple domains and partners,” he stated.

He further said that, as commanders, security agents must be able to synchronise their efforts, share intelligence, and make informed decisions in real-time.

The initiative, he said, is a significant step towards strengthening inter-agency cooperation and fostering a unified approach to security operations.

He stressed that the complex security challenges facing the country demand strong and authentic leadership at all levels, particularly at the junior command level, where tactical decisions made in real time can have strategic consequences.

He commended the organisers of the training for putting together a well-structured programme.

The training is expected to last five days, with participants drawn from the Army, Police, NSCDC, Customs, Immigration, Correctional Service, DSS, and other security agencies in the state.