By Kennedy Sheyin
The National Defence College (NDC), the Armed Forces and other stakeholders on Monday called for proactive rather than reactive response to national, regional and global evolving security threats.
The stakeholders made the call at the opening of a five-day Strategic Level Defence and Security Management Course 2 (DSMC-SL2) organised by the NDC in Abuja.
In his opening remark, the NDC Commandant, Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed, said that security professionals held significant and key roles central to shaping and implementing defence and security policies and strategies.
He emphasised the need to challenge existing assumptions in security and share experiences while engaging constructively with other security counterparts with diverse perspectives.
“Beyond acquiring knowledge, I urge you to use this opportunity to reflect on the effectiveness of existing approaches and consider innovative and sustainable ways of strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
“The networks, professional relationships and partnerships established during this course should extend beyond this course and contribute to greater inter-agency cooperation and improved national security outcomes,” he said.
Ahmed said that the NDC, Nigeria’s apex defence institution, remained dedicated to developing strategic leaders with the knowledge, skills and foresight required to navigate Nigeria’s increasingly complex defence and security environment.
“Through its academic programmes, research, policy engagement and professional development initiatives, the college will continue to provide platforms for critical thinking, knowledge exchange and strategic dialogue.
“The college will continue to provide avenues for discussion and exchanges on issues that affect Nigeria and the wider international community, while bridging the gap between policy, strategy and practice,” he added.
The NDC commandant said that the presence of several security stakeholders at the course reflected the shared commitment to strengthening strategic leadership, enhancing institutional cooperation and promoting effective defence and security governance and management.
He said that the course was timely, relevant and demonstrated the NDC’s commitment to responding to the realities of Nigeria’s contemporary security environment.
He expressed confidence and optimism that the course would achieve its intended objectives and provide valuable insights to all security stakeholders.
Also speaking, the Provost, Centre for Strategic Research and Studies at the NDC, Prof Adam Ahmed, highlighted the need for the participants to extend the knowledge gained during the course to other officers in their sectors.
He said that there was no room for relaxation for security personnel in the currently complex security environment of Nigeria and the world at large.
“The bad people are evolving and now very modern in thinking. They now use drones and other technological devices to operate. You think you have defeated them, and then they advance and surprise you.
“They no longer respect national borders. Criminals like Boko Haram can now operate in up to seven countries in very little time,” he said.
According to the provost, solving this problem requires going beyond the regular physical and kinetic warfare, and involving academic and critical thinking.
”This prompted the need for this course,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the course brought high ranking officers from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Intelligence Agency.
Also present were personnel from the Department of State Services(DSS), the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NDC), and other relevant security Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
(NAN)