CDS: International collaboration remains critical to collective security
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has emphasized that international collaboration remains critical to collective security across Africa and globally. General Oluyede said this when he spoke
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has emphasized that international collaboration remains critical to collective security across Africa and globally.
General Oluyede said this when he spoke at the closing ceremony of 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.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal FO Edosa, the CDS described the establishment of the JDWC as a “decisive step towards strengthening Nigeria’s sovereignty and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
General Oluyede emphasised that doctrine remains the intellectual foundation of military operations, stressing that insights generated during the workshop must be refined into doctrinal publications that will guide strategy, policy, and operational concepts.
He expressed confidence that the workshop equipped participants with the technical expertise and perspectives necessary to enhance doctrinal development within their respective countries.
The CDS noted the strong participation of national and regional partners, saying their presence underscores a shared commitment to strengthening doctrinal frameworks in response to evolving and complex security challenges.
He acknowledged the participation of regional partners from Ghana, Gambia, Senegal, and Sierra Leone, as well as the invaluable contributions of the British Defence Staff (West Africa), especially the Defence Attaché and Colonel George Wilson, for their support and facilitation of resource persons.
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The CDS also appreciated the presence of the ECOWAS team and their ongoing efforts to strengthen the ECOWAS Standby Force, noting that international collaboration remains critical to collective security.
He commended the leadership and staff of the JDWC for the strides made within six months of its operationalisation, describing the momentum as commendable and reflective of dedication to mandate delivery.
The Director General of JDWC, Major General AE Edet, described the workshop as a strategic initiative aligned with the Centre’s core mandate of developing operational doctrines to guide the Armed Forces of Nigeria in addressing contemporary security challenges.
Edet explained that the programme was structured into two specialised phases: the first two days focused on Nigerian personnel, while the remaining sessions involved regional participants.
According to him, the objective is to cultivate a high-level tri-service cadre of doctrine writers, editors, and validators equipped with the expertise required to harmonise joint warfare concepts across the Services.
The Director General acknowledged the support of the British Defence Staff (West Africa) for facilitating resource persons from the United Kingdom, as well as the contributions of experienced retired senior officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that the diversity of expertise assembled would strengthen jointness in operations, enhance regional capacity building, and improve multi-agency cooperation.
