Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, says that training and retraining remain imperative to meet current, emerging, and dynamic security situations in the country.
Dada said this on Monday while declaring open 82 Division Operational Planning Cadre 2023 held at the Division’s Headquarters in Enugu between Oct. 16 and Oct. 20.
The GOC, represented by Brig.-Gen. Anthony Kubiangha, Commander of 54 Signals Brigade, noted that there was a need for adherence to Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) in Nigerian Army operations.
Dada, who is also the Commander of Joint Task Force South-East Operation, code-named “Operation UDO KA II”, said that the Division would continue in its training and retraining programs as well as evolve TTP were necessary.
“This Cadre keys into the clear Command philosophy outlined by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, which is to Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-Trained Equipped, and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving Our Constitutional Responsibilities Within a Joint Environment.
“This philosophy aligns perfectly with the aim of this Cadre, which is to refresh and equip our officers and other participants with the skills to plan, organize, and execute military operations seamlessly in conventional and asymmetrical warfare situations.
“Participants are therefore encouraged to take the Cadre seriously by paying utmost attention to understand what is being taught and also make meaningful contributions,” he said.
According to him, we (officers ofthe Nigerian Army) cannot afford to be complacent in our efforts towards ensuring that we are adequately prepared to face any challenge that may arise, and this Cadre is an essential step in that direction.
“The resources persons from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, who have joined us here, are highly experienced and knowledgeable on the subject matter.
“I urge all participants to actively engage in all the activities and discussions, for I firmly believe that their input will prove invaluable in enhancing our capabilities,” he said.
The GOC expressed optimism that the involvement of some para-military agencies – Nigerian Police, DSS, NDLEA and DSS – in the training would enhance the Cadre.
“Collaborative partnerships such as this demonstrate that we (Nigerian Army) recognise the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing security challenges,” he said.
The GOC called on the participants to use the opportunity and advantage the training provide to tone and refine their operation skills.