By Saminu Ibrahim
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), has charged officers graduating from the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) to translate the knowledge acquired during their nine-month professional military training into effective action to tackle insecurity across the country.
Musa gave the charge on Friday in Abuja at the graduation ceremony of 99 participants of Course 10/2026 of the college, where he served as the Special Guest of Honour.
He said the success of the training would be measured by the graduates’ ability to deliver tangible results on the battlefield and contribute meaningfully to strengthening national security.
“Go out to the field and make the difference,” the minister told the graduating officers.
Reiterating President Bola Tinubu’s directive at the recent National Security Council meeting that the fight against insecurity must not extend into a third decade, Musa urged the officers to demonstrate the discipline, commitment and operational effectiveness required to achieve lasting results.
He expressed confidence in the professionalism and dedication of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, stressing the need for personnel to remain focused on their constitutional responsibilities.
The minister also emphasised that hard work, dedication and proven performance must remain the criteria for career advancement in the military.
According to him, only officers who demonstrate commitment and integrity should be entrusted with higher responsibilities.
He cited the career progression of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, as an example of the importance of merit and dedication in military service.
On modern warfare, Musa said military success was no longer determined solely by possession of the most expensive equipment, citing ongoing global conflicts as evidence of the changing nature of warfare.
He called on all departments of the Armed Forces to embrace technological advancements and innovation to improve operational effectiveness, stressing that innovation should not be regarded as the exclusive responsibility of engineers.
The minister further urged the Armed Forces to support peaceful, safe and credible elections through collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies.
He said security personnel must protect citizens from intimidation and prevent individuals or groups from undermining the electoral process.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Major General Umar Alkali, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing competent military leaders capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Alkali disclosed that the 99 participants of Course 10/2026 had completed 37 weeks of intensive professional military education.
He identified the participation of the first female officers and the highest number of allied participants since the college’s establishment as major milestones recorded by the course.
The commandant stressed the importance of indigenous technological innovation and inter-agency cooperation in enhancing military effectiveness.
He urged the graduates to uphold professionalism, integrity and sound judgment in the discharge of their duties, noting that their training should contribute to advancing the country’s national security objectives.
Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of fellowship awards to the 99 graduates by the minister, as well as certificates and other awards to deserving participants.
A wounded officer among the graduates also received a special souvenir and a ₦5 million token in recognition of his courage.
The Chief of Army Staff presented merit awards, while the President of the Alumni Association of the Army War College Nigeria, Brigadier General O.A. Ogunleye (rtd.), inducted the graduates into the association.
The event also featured the unveiling and launch of the Army War College Nigeria Journal, magazine and books, alongside the presentation of awards to distinguished eminent fellows and souvenirs to the minister and the Special Guest of Honour.
Among the graduates were allied military officers from African countries, including South Africa and Cameroon.
