Nigeria’s Defence College Trains Senior Officers to Tackle Nigeria’s Evolving Security Threats

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja has opened the second edition of its Strategic-Level Defence and Security Management Course, aimed at improving coordination among security agencies and strengthening Nigeria’s response to evolving threats.

Declaring the programme open, the college’s Commandant, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, called on participants to challenge existing security strategies and develop practical, innovative solutions to the country’s defence challenges.

He urged senior military officers, security personnel and civilian officials attending the course to share their experiences and engage in frank discussions on improving Nigeria’s security architecture.

He also stressed the need for stronger cooperation between institutions, saying professional relationships developed during the programme should translate into better security outcomes.

In his welcome address, the Provost of the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, Professor A. O. Ahmed, said security threats were becoming increasingly complex, with terrorist and criminal groups exploiting modern technology and operating across national borders.

He said security agencies needed to complement military operations with research, strategic analysis and other non-military approaches to counter the threats.

Professor Ahmed also highlighted the importance of continuous learning in helping security professionals understand and respond to changing conditions.

The course brings together senior officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, personnel from paramilitary and law enforcement agencies, officials from government ministries and departments, and other professionals.

It is designed to improve participants’ ability to formulate and implement defence and security policies in a changing national and international environment.

The college said the programme would also promote cooperation between institutions and encourage the exchange of ideas on Nigeria’s security challenges.

The initiative comes as Nigeria continues to face multiple security threats, including insurgency and cross-border criminal activity. The college said the course was part of its wider efforts to support effective security governance and promote stability in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.