Buratai: Total Victory in Terror War Dependent on Capacity for Accurate/Timely Decisions; as ‘AWC Nigeria’ graduates 33 Participants.

The Army War College, Nigeria on Friday December 8, 2017, graduated 33 participants of Course 1, with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai declaring that total victory in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North East is crucial and would be dependent on ‘our sense of judgment, appreciation and ability to make accurate and timely decisions.

Speaking at the National Resource Center, Buratai also said, “If we have to win in these complex scenarios, then the Nigerian Army must become a learning organization.

He added that in this globalized and highly proficient world of the 25th century, “We must be mentally and physically prepared if we are to have cumulative advantage over all the security challenges we face.

“In spite of all these challenges, the main efforts of the federal government remain a stable and united Nigeria, and I can assure you that the military remains the main effort”.

“For this purpose, it is pertinent to state here that our loyalty to the constitution and all forms of constitutional authority is not negotiable and remains the cardinal point of our professional calling” he said.

Reiterating the importance of the Army War College, the Army Chief said, “The overarching objective of the college is to develop the capacities of Nigerian Army officers in operational arts and campaign management while sharpening their basic strategic skills“.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin in his remarks said, “The establishment of the Army War College, Nigeria, underscores the importance that the federal government places on developing ‘our’ professional military education to international standards.

“Training has played an important role in moulding, professionalizing and having a disciplined Nigerian Army which has been able to maintain the territorial integrity of this nation in fulfillment of its constitutional roles.

“This has led to the significant degrading of the Boko Haram capabilities as well as ensuring security for our citizens against criminal elements.

Furthermore the CDS said, “The federal government will continue to support the Nigerian Army in its quest to continue professionalizing while issues of welfare of personnel will continue to be given the priority it deserves.

“Government will continue to support the military with all the tools necessary to carry out its task in order to ensure that Nigeria’s territorial integrity is maintained and criminality reduced to the barest minimum; as It is only when there is peace that development will take place.

In his welcome address, Commandant, Army War College, Nigeria, Major General AG Okunlola noted that the participants distinguished themselves during the 26 weeks duration of the course.

Colonel OA Ogunleye emerged the overall merit award winner, carting him the COAS Golden Price while Colonel WA Bakare won the best paper award.

Some of the participants include Colonel Mohammed Dole, Colonel UD Igbokwe, Colonel CI Odigie, Colonel OM Azuikpe, Colonel AM kitchner, Navy Commander IC Ejiofor, Wing Commander Okuruego and Assistant Commissioner of Police L. Orutugu.

 END