Nigerian Army Vows to Adapt Strategies Amid Evolving Security Threats
Nigerian Army Vows to Adapt Strategies Amid Evolving Security Threats
By Matthew Eloyi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, affirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to continuously updating its strategies and operations to address the nation’s complex security challenges.
Speaking at the Nigerian Army Day 2024 Lecture in Jos, Lagbaja emphasized the importance of ongoing reviews of the army’s order of battle, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
“The multidimensional and ever-changing nature of Nigeria’s security environment necessitates a consistent review of our strategies,” Lagbaja stated.
He highlighted the complexity and adaptability of the country’s security threats, which have been evident to those involved in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency since 2013.
Lagbaja recalled how the unexpected developments in the Bakassi Peninsula prompted significant changes in the Nigerian Army’s strategies, training concepts, and order of battle. He noted the increasing pressure on the army due to its high demand in peace support operations across Nigeria and Africa.
“Then came Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province with their insurgency and terrorism, followed closely by the spike in banditry, kidnapping for ransom, secessionist agitation, and other issues we now battle across the country,” Lagbaja explained.
He referred to the VUCA model—Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity—used by the United States Army War College to describe Nigeria’s security landscape.
“We have done the reviews to the best of our ability for about two decades, and the results are out there for everyone to judge,” he continued, urging the public to evaluate the army’s efforts based on their understanding of the issues.
Lagbaja praised the lecture’s topic, “Combating Complex Conflicts in Nigeria: Challenges and Strategies,” and expressed confidence that it would provide valuable insights for participants and the Nigerian Army.
He also extended his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support, and to the former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Leo Irabor (Rtd), for gracing the event as the special guest of honour.
