#TrackNigeria: The Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji, AVM Lawal Alao said the college has up-scaled its training programmes to provide innovative ways of containing emerging security challenges in the country.
Alao said this during a one day seminar of the Department of Maritime Warfare on Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency for students of Senior Course 41 in Jaji, Kaduna State on Monday.
“As part of its constitutional roles, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has been deployed across the country to decisively curtail these security threats which are perpetuated by criminal elements operating from the land, air and sea.
“Nigeria had in the past decade, witnessed an upsurge in security threats ranging from terrorism and insurgency, to kidnapping, militancy and economic sabotage.
“As the foremost training institution charged with preparing tactical and operational level command and staff officers for contemporary military operations, the Armed Forces Command and Staff College has stepped up its training on Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations.
“This is with a view to responding proactively to the recent upsurge in terrorism and insurgency activities spearheaded by Boko Haram Terrorists, as well as militia activities across the country,’’ he said.
The commandant said that though much have been heard about the roles of the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force in Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations, the Nigerian Navy may not have enjoyed equal attention due to the nature of its operating environment.
“Accordingly, the Seminar on Maritime Power in Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations has been designed to enlighten participants in this regard, as well as build the capacity of students to better face operational realities in the field.”
The theme of the Seminar is ‘Nigerian Navy Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations in Nigeria’.
“I consider this theme quite apt, considering that terrorism and insurgency are currently Nigeria’s most potent security threat.
“It will therefore, be expedient for us to be enlightened on how Maritime Power is being employed for Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency operations, and also how Nigerian Navy personnel are being engaged to carry out this arduous task,” he said.
He disclosed that some eminent and experienced resource persons have been invited to facilitate the Seminar which promises to be enlightening, stimulating and participatory, especially for the students of Senior Course 41.
Alao urged the students to pay attention to the presentations and also to optimally engage with the resource persons as appropriate.
“I also encourage the allied students to take this Seminar seriously, as many of you are facing similar security challenges in your respective countries, you will be required to utilise your training and knowledge to enhance your countries’ efforts to neutralise such security threats.
“My expectation is that the resolutions from this Seminar will contribute meaningfully to efforts of the Nigerian Navy, and indeed the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria and her allies, at addressing our contemporary security challenges.”(NAN)
