By Abuja, Nigeria
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has concluded a four-day capacity-building and regional doctrine workshop organised by the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre at the Army War College, Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal F.O. Edosa, delivered the closing remarks on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede. He described the establishment of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s sovereignty and improving the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
According to him, the participation of national and regional representatives demonstrated a shared commitment to updating military doctrine in response to evolving security challenges.
Delegates from Ghana, Gambia, Senegal and Sierra Leone attended the workshop alongside officials of the British Defence Staff (West Africa), including Defence Attaché Colonel George Wilson. The CDS emphasised that doctrine forms the intellectual foundation of military strategy and operations, urging participants to translate insights from the workshop into publications that will guide policy and future operational concepts. He added that the participants are now better equipped to strengthen doctrinal development in their respective countries.
He also acknowledged the presence of the Economic Community of West African States team and its ongoing efforts to reinforce the ECOWAS Standby Force, noting that regional cooperation remains essential for collective security. He commended the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre for its progress since becoming operational six months ago.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Centre, Major General A.E. Edet, said the workshop aligned with its mandate to develop operational doctrines capable of addressing contemporary security threats. He explained that the programme was conducted in two phases; first phase for Nigerian personnel and then the second for regional participants which was designed to build a tri-service cadre of doctrine writers, editors and validators.
Edet thanked the Chief of Defence Staff for his leadership and acknowledged the support of the British Defence Staff (West Africa) and retired senior officers who facilitated sessions. He added that the blend of national and regional expertise would strengthen joint operations, enhance capacity building and promote multi-agency cooperation.
The DHQ noted that the successful completion of the workshop represents another step toward improving joint doctrine development, strengthening regional partnerships and enhancing the readiness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
