President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to strengthening national security amid the ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria.
Reflecting on his first year in office, the president acknowledged the significant security issues affecting various regions of the country.
Despite these difficulties, he emphasized that the government’s vision remains focused on ensuring a safe, secure, prosperous, and resilient nation.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, President Tinubu made these remarks at the graduation ceremony for Senior Course 46 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji on Saturday.
Tinubu noted that the Nigerian military, along with other security agencies, has been working diligently to enhance national security through improved cooperation with neighboring countries.
This collaboration aims to tackle the pervasive issues of banditry, terrorism, and insurgency within the region.
During the ceremony, General Musa inspected the Guard of Honour and highlighted the efforts made by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to boost their combat effectiveness, operational capability, and training.
The President recognized that many of the current security challenges are asymmetric and trans-border, involving non-state actors in various regions.
He stressed that addressing these threats effectively requires a collaborative approach among African nations.
President Tinubu expressed his satisfaction with the continued participation of African countries in the training program, which provides a platform for learning and strategizing together to ensure a stable and secure continent.
He emphasized the importance of understanding the doctrines of cooperating forces to achieve synergy in multinational operations.
The President vowed to use all available national resources to foster security, justice, peaceful coexistence, national unity, and sustainable development, while also promoting Nigeria’s standing on the international stage.
He urged the graduating officers to exemplify leadership, dedication, and service to their nation, using their training to advance peace and security both in Nigeria and across Africa.
In addition, Tinubu highlighted the role of the graduating officers in contributing to the ongoing efforts to combat various security threats.
He called on them to serve with valor, lead with vision, and remain unwavering in their commitment to their country.
The President also stressed the need for them to act as ambassadors of the AFCSC and make positive contributions to their constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier in the ceremony, the Commandant of the College, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Hassan Alhaji, spoke about the evolution of the AFCSC since its establishment on May 29, 1976.
He noted that the institution has become an international center of excellence for training mid-level officers from Nigeria and partner countries around the world.
The current course, which began on August 16, 2023, included 262 students’ 146 from the Nigerian Army, 59 from the Nigerian Navy, 41 from the Nigerian Air Force, and 15 international students from countries such as Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Liberia, Mali, Tanzania, Togo, and Zimbabwe.
AVM Alhaji emphasized the importance of the international students’ contributions and encouraged them to be good ambassadors of the AFCSC upon returning to their respective countries.
He praised the increasing international participation in the college’s courses as a testament to the institution’s growing reputation and the effectiveness of its graduates.
The ceremony concluded with the inauguration of the remodelled Department of Joint Studies Office Complex at the college, which has been named the General CG Musa Complex in honor of the Chief of Defence Staff.
