Defence Minister Charges Army War College Graduands to Intensify Fight Against Insecurity
Oru Leonard
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has charged graduating officers of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) to deploy the knowledge acquired during their training to strengthen military operations and bring an end to insecurity across the country.
Musa gave the charge on Friday in Abuja during the graduation ceremony of 99 participants of Course 10/2026 of the Army War College Nigeria, where he served as the Special Guest of Honour.
The minister urged the graduands to translate their nine-month intensive professional military education into practical results, stressing that the success of their training would be measured by their contributions to national security.
“Go out to the field and make the difference,” he said.
He also reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive at the recent National Security Council meeting that the fight against insecurity must not extend into a third decade, urging the officers to demonstrate the discipline, commitment and operational effectiveness required to achieve lasting peace.
Musa reaffirmed the professionalism and dedication of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, noting that hard work, integrity and proven performance must remain the criteria for career advancement within the military.
According to him, officers who demonstrate genuine commitment and integrity should be entrusted with greater responsibilities, citing the career progression of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, as an example.
The minister further emphasised the need for technological innovation across the Armed Forces, observing that modern warfare is no longer determined solely by the possession of expensive military equipment.
He said ongoing conflicts around the world had demonstrated the growing importance of innovation, adaptability and the effective application of technology in military operations.
Musa stressed that technological advancement should not be regarded as the exclusive responsibility of engineers but should be embraced by all departments of the Armed Forces to improve operational efficiency.
On electoral security, the minister called on the military to support peaceful, safe and credible elections through collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies.
He urged security personnel to protect citizens against intimidation and prevent individuals or groups from undermining the electoral process.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing competent military leaders capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Alkali disclosed that participants of Course 10/2026 had completed 37 weeks of intensive professional military education.
He described the course as historic, noting that it recorded the participation of the first female officers and the highest number of allied participants since the establishment of the college.
The commandant identified indigenous technological innovation and inter-agency cooperation as critical components of effective military operations.
He charged the graduands to uphold professionalism, integrity and sound judgment in the discharge of their duties, stressing that their leadership would be vital to advancing Nigeria’s national security objectives.
Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of Fellowship Awards to the 99 graduands by the defence minister, certificates and other awards, as well as Merit Awards presented by the Chief of Army Staff.
A wounded officer among the graduands also received a special souvenir and a cash token of N5 million in recognition of his courage.
The event featured the induction of the graduates into the Alumni Association of the Army War College Nigeria by its president, Brig.-Gen. O.A. Ogunleye (Rtd), alongside the official unveiling and launch of the college’s journal, magazine and books.
Awards were also presented to Distinguished Eminent Fellows, while souvenirs were presented to the Special Guest of Honour and the Minister of Defence.
The graduating class included allied military officers from African countries, including South Africa and Cameroon, reflecting the college’s contribution to regional military cooperation and professional development.
The ceremony was attended by the Director, Army, Ministry of Defence; senior military officers; members of the diplomatic corps; and other dignitaries.
