Home FEATURES Osinbajo Advocates Review Of Nigerian Military’s Mode Of Operations, Training Modules

Osinbajo Advocates Review Of Nigerian Military’s Mode Of Operations, Training Modules

Soldiers at war with Boko HaramVice President Yemi Osinbajo has called for the review of the Nigerian military mode of operations and training modules, especially with evolving rules of engagement in asymmetric warfare situations.
Professor Osinbajo, who spoke at the combined Nigeria Defense Academy passing out parade of the cadets of the 64 Regular Course of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the 65 Regular Course of the Navy and Air Force, and the Short Service Course 44 of the Army, in Kaduna, said: “the world has changed a great deal, today we speak of non-State Actors and of asymmetric warfare, and are confronted by enemies whose identities are as nebulous as their motivations.
“This swift evolution in suicide bombings is a perfect illustration of the nature of the threats that nations face today – unpredictable, asymmetric, constantly adapting to changing conditions, driven by a compulsive need to inflict maximum damage with minimal effort.”
Professor Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, stressed that the military’s changing roles transcends defence of territories as solving society’s other socio-economic issues has been a challenge other militaries have been engaged in.
“just as important as these issues around conflict are, the issues around how the military can in the process of innovating or thinking through use science and technology to add real value to the society is important.
“Generally, the relationship between the military and scientific innovation are intertwined with both known to have historically shaped and influenced each other.”
The Vice President advised the military in Nigeria to collaborate more extensively with the private sector, for research and innovation, adding that all around the country, technology hubs are springing up that are attracting our Nigeria’s brightest talent, and breaking new technological ground.
“I am convinced that the military should make its presence felt in this area.”
He commended the management of the NDA for its efforts in adapting the school’s curriculum and programmes to contemporary realities.
For the military’s relationship with civil authority, Professor Osinbajo commended the Armed Forces for keeping faith with the current democratic dispensation for the past eighteen years, and noted that the subordination of the military to civil authority has been a cherished age-long practice that has promoted military professionalism in all parts of the world.
He commended the governments of Liberia, Togo, Sierra Leone, Niger, Central African Republic, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Burkina Faso and Chad for sustaining the spirit of true African brotherhood and cooperation, and sending students to the institution for training.[myad]