DHQ Drive New Regional Doctrine Agenda

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Defence Headquarters has concluded a four-day capacity-building and regional doctrine workshop organised by the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre at the Army War College in Abuja.

According to the statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal FO Edosa, delivered the closing remarks on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede. He described the establishment of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre as a significant milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s sovereignty and improving the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

The CDS highlighted the strong participation of national and regional representatives, saying it underscored a shared commitment to updating doctrinal frameworks amid increasingly complex security challenges. He acknowledged representatives from Ghana, Gambia, Senegal and Sierra Leone as well as the contributions of the British Defence Staff (West Africa), including Defence Attaché Colonel George Wilson.

General Oluyede stressed that doctrine remains the intellectual foundation of military strategy and operations. He said insights generated during the workshop should be further developed into publications that will guide military policy and future operational concepts. He expressed confidence that participants are now better equipped to strengthen doctrinal development within their respective countries.

He also acknowledged the presence of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) team and its ongoing work to reinforce the ECOWAS Standby Force, noting that regional cooperation remains essential for collective security. He commended the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre for what he described as impressive progress since it became operational six months ago.

Earlier, the Director General of the Centre, Major General AE Edet, said the workshop aligned with its core mandate of developing operational doctrines to address contemporary security threats. He explained that the programme was delivered in two phases, the first for Nigerian personnel and the second for regional participants, with the aim of building a tri-service cadre of doctrine writers, editors and validators.

He thanked the Chief of Defence Staff for his leadership and also recognised the support of the British Defence Staff (West Africa) and retiredsenior officers who contributed to the sessions. He said the mix of national and regional expertise would strengthen joint operations, improve regional capacity building and enhance multi-agency cooperation.

The Defence Headquarters said the successful completion of the workshop marks another step in advancing joint doctrine development, strengthening regional partnerships and improving the overall readiness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.