Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, has stressed the need for training, retraining and involvement of Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) in checkmating insecurity.
Dada said this on Monday in Enugu while declaring opening the 82 Division Operational Planning Cadre, which would run between Feb. 5 and Feb. 9 within the Division’s Headquarters in Enugu.
The GOC noted that the Operational Planning Cadre (training/retraining) had become expedient considering the increased participation of the Nigerian Army in exercises, joint and multinational operations.
According to him, there is also the need for adherence to Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) in the conduct of military operations.
“The prevailing security situation in the country coupled with some peculiar events within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AoR) especially the recent agitation of secessionist groups has made it imperative that we continue to train, retrain and evolve our TTPs where necessary.
“This Cadre keys into the clear Command Philosophy outlined by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), 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 requisite skills to plan, organise and execute military operations seamlessly in conventional and asymmetrical warfare situations.
“Participants are therefore encouraged to take the Cadre seriously by paying utmost attention in order to understand what is being taught and also make meaningful contributions,” he said.
The GOC warned that the army and security agencies cannot afford to be complacent in ensuring adequate preparation to face existing and other futuristic security challenges, adding: “Hence, this Cadre is an essential step in that direction”.
He noted that the resource persons for the training from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College 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 inputs will prove invaluable in enhancing our capabilities.
“Additionally, the understanding and integration of the role of air power and achievable/actionable intelligence for positive outcomes in the conduct of operations are essential,” he said.
The GOC revealed that some personnel of military and paramilitary agencies are taking part in the training, adding that their participation and collaborative partnership would enhance the Cadre and demonstrate the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing security challenges.
“I am confident that with your active participation and the wealth of experience of our resource persons, we will emerge from this Cadre better equipped to fulfill our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.
“Thereby, transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force,” he added.
Some personnel of military and paramilitary agencies participating in the Cadre are drawn from the Nigerian Air Force; Nigeria Police, NSCDC, DSS, FRSC, Nigerian Customs, Nigerian Immigration Service, NDLEA and Federal Fire Service among others.
