By Gabriel Ameh
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has concluded a four-day Capacity Building and Regional Doctrine Workshop organised by the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC) at the Army War College Nigeria, Abuja.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the workshop brought together national and regional partners to strengthen doctrinal development and enhance joint military operations across West Africa.
Delivering the closing remarks on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal FO Edosa, described the establishment of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre as a strategic milestone aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s sovereignty and boosting the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
The CDS noted that the strong participation of regional partners reflected a shared resolve to improve doctrinal frameworks in response to evolving and complex security threats. He specifically acknowledged delegates from Ghana, The Gambia, Senegal and Sierra Leone, as well as the support of the British Defence Staff (West Africa), including Defence Attaché Colonel George Wilson, for facilitating resource persons.
According to him, military doctrine remains the intellectual backbone of operations, stressing that insights generated during the workshop must be translated into practical doctrinal publications capable of guiding strategy, policy and operational concepts.
He expressed confidence that participants acquired the technical competence and broader perspectives required to strengthen doctrinal development within their respective armed forces.
General Musa also commended the presence and continued efforts of the ECOWAS team in advancing the ECOWAS Standby Force, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in achieving collective security across the sub-region.
The CDS further praised the leadership and staff of the JDWC for the progress recorded within six months of its operationalisation, describing the achievements as a reflection of commitment and professionalism.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director General of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, Major General AE Edet, described the workshop as a strategic initiative aligned with the Centre’s mandate to develop operational doctrines to guide the Armed Forces of Nigeria in addressing contemporary security challenges.
He explained that the programme was structured in two phases: the first segment focused on Nigerian personnel, while the latter sessions incorporated regional participants. The objective, he said, was to develop a high-level tri-service cadre of doctrine writers, editors and validators capable of harmonising joint warfare concepts across the Services.
Major General Edet expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff for providing the strategic leadership that enabled the workshop, while also acknowledging the support of the British Defence Staff (West Africa) and retired senior officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who contributed their expertise.
He noted that the diversity of experience represented at the workshop would strengthen joint operations, enhance regional capacity building and deepen multi-agency cooperation.
The successful conclusion of the workshop underscores the Defence Headquarters’ ongoing commitment to advancing joint doctrine development, strengthening regional defence partnerships and improving the overall readiness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
