CDS Tasks Personnel On Operational Realties As Defence Training Conference Commences

The Chief of Defence Staff CDS, General Christopher Musa, has declared open the maiden edition of the Defence Training Conference 2025, emphasizing the need for a resilient, cohesive, and forward-looking Armed Forces of Nigeria amid evolving security threats.

In his opening remarks, the CDS who described the conference as timely, given the complex security dynamics confronting Nigeria, said the gathering would serve as a platform to align military training with present-day operational realities and emerging tactical needs.

He emphasized the need to incorporate modern innovations such as simulations, wargaming, and doctrinal reviews into the military’s training approach.

He also called for the continuous review of training curricula to incorporate lessons from ongoing operations and leverage cutting-edge technologies.

The CDS further acknowledged the role of international cooperation in strengthening Nigeria’s defence capabilities and praised ongoing bilateral and multilateral training partnerships with regional and global allies, especially in areas like counterterrorism, peacekeeping, maritime security, cyberdefense, and strategic planning.

The Special Guest of Honour, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Armed Forces of Nigeria through the formulation and implementation of enabling policies.

He noted that these strategic policies are designed to empower the military to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity, countering emerging threats, and maintaining internal security.

Delivering the keynote address, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor Rtd underscored the critical importance of establishing a unified and joint training platform across the Services.

He emphasized that in today’s increasingly complex and asymmetrical security environment, jointness in training and operations is no longer optional but a necessity.

General Irabor stressed that collaborative training frameworks would foster greater synergy, interoperability, and operational effectiveness in addressing contemporary and future security challenges.

The Defence Training Conference is expected to become an annual platform for refining Nigeria’s military preparedness and doctrinal frameworks in line with global best practices.

Aisha Adesanya, Edited By Grace Namiji