We’ll use kinetic, non-kinetic strategies to overcome operational challenges – COAS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reiterated that the Nigerian Army will continue to adapt and refine its tactics, techniques, and procedures to address operational challenges, utilizing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.
General Oluyede made this statement while opening a one-day sensitization training organized by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation at the Army Headquarters (AHQ) for junior and middle cadre leaders of the Nigerian Army. The event was held at the 8 Division in Sokoto State.
The training, themed “Enhancing Operational Effectiveness through Nigerian Army Lessons Learned Process/Feedback Mechanism,” was designed to equip Nigerian Army personnel with the skills to improve their operational readiness and adapt to a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous security environment.
General Oluyede emphasized the importance of learning from both successes and failures to enhance operational effectiveness. He stated, “The place of lessons learned is key to operational effectiveness. There are no secrets to success—it is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. Interestingly, you can also learn from success and observed gaps in the field and move towards addressing them accordingly.”
He urged commanders at all levels to continue innovating in their approaches to battle readiness and personnel management. He stressed that lessons must be consistently identified, analyzed, and integrated into day-to-day planning to reduce casualties and operational challenges.
“This sensitization visit seeks to rekindle critical thinking skills among all commanders, particularly junior commanders, through creativity and enhance their ability to draw lessons from operational engagements,” he added.
The Special Guest of Honour, Major General Olusegun Samson Abai, Chief of Transformation and Innovation AHQ, commended the organizers of the sensitization and reassured the attendees of continued logistical support and guidance for executing various tasks. He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing strategic guidance and support for the Nigerian Army, reaffirming the Army’s loyalty to the President.
In his welcome address, Brigadier General Olayinka Are, Deputy Director of Training and Examination Analysis at the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation, explained that the sensitization aimed to enhance the troops’ knowledge on extracting, collating, and analyzing lessons to avoid past mistakes. He noted that the event aligned with the COAS’s Command Philosophy, focusing on leadership, professionalism, combat readiness, and sound administration.
General Abai praised the operational efforts of the 8 Division and encouraged them to continue striving towards achieving their operational goals. He also thanked the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2 North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA for their warm reception and hospitality during the visit.
The COAS’s efforts to foster continuous learning and improvement within the Nigerian Army underscore the commitment to a more effective, adaptive, and ready force.
