The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) hosted its annual Inter-Agency Seminar for Course 9/2025 participants on April 7, 2025, at the TY Buratai Auditorium, Abuja. The seminar focused on strengthening collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies under the theme: “Multiplicity of Operations in Nigeria’s Contemporary Security Landscape: Optimizing Multi-Agency Efforts for Effective Threat Response.”
The Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Senator Ibrahim Gaidam CFR, who served as the Special Guest of honor, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the urgent need for cohesive national strategies to counter the country’s complex and rapidly evolving security threats — ranging from insurgency and terrorism in the North-East to separatist movements in the South-East and organized crime across other regions.
Senator Gaidam stressed that safeguarding national security is no longer the sole responsibility of the military or police. “Multi-agency collaboration is not optional — it is essential,” he stated. He called for deeper synergy among key security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police Force, DSS, NSCDC, Immigration, and Customs.
He also recommended the creation of secure real-time intelligence-sharing platforms and inter-agency training programs to promote operational harmony and trust. He emphasized the importance of leveraging emerging technologies like AI, advanced surveillance, and digital forensics in security operations. Additionally, he highlighted the pivotal role of civilian involvement and community policing in intelligence gathering and threat prevention.
In his welcome remarks, AWCN Commandant Major General Umar Mohammed Alkali described the seminar as a core component of the College’s curriculum, specifically under its inter-agency cooperation module. He disclosed that 80 officers — drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and allied countries including Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Liberia, and The Gambia — are enrolled in Course 9/2025. He also noted the participation of 42 delegates from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), emphasizing the growing emphasis on civil-military collaboration and joint operations.
Major General Alkali expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his continuous support. He reaffirmed AWCN’s commitment to grooming officers capable of operating effectively in joint and multi-agency environments. “This seminar aims to deepen collaboration, enhance coordination, and promote best practices in national security management,” he said.
A major highlight of the seminar was a keynote lecture delivered by retired Major General Babagana Monguno, former National Security Adviser, titled “Multiplicity of Operations in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Approach to Addressing Contemporary Security Threats.” His presentation emphasized the necessity of an integrated, holistic strategy involving all security actors to ensure timely and effective responses to national threats.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Brigadier General Osamade Odigie, Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies at AWCN, who commended the Special Guest of Honor, guest speakers, and participants for their meaningful contributions to the seminar’s success.
