In a bid to enhance security within Lagos and Ogun states, the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army (NA) has commenced its annual operations planning cadre for officers.
The training, held at the Army Officers Mess in Marina, Lagos, was themed “Enhancing Operational Readiness Through Effective Planning, Collaboration, and Capacity Development.” It brought together security operatives from the military, police, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and other key stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, emphasized the importance of the forum in developing improved security strategies and fostering interaction among various security agencies.
“The Operations Planning Cadre provides the Nigerian Army with a platform to brainstorm extensively and develop better ways to project its activities. It also enables interaction with officers within 81 Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) and representatives from sister services and other security agencies,” he said.
According to Mijinyawa, the training is designed to equip officers with essential planning and leadership skills while promoting collaboration with other security organizations, particularly for joint operations. He noted that involving multiple security agencies in the training enhances its authenticity, reflecting real-life operational scenarios.
He urged participants to actively engage in discussions and contribute insights to ensure the objectives of the cadre are achieved.
Similarly, the Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Maj.-Gen. Baba Umaru Yahya, underscored the need for enhanced operational readiness in response to current security challenges.
He highlighted the significance of training, discipline, and commitment in achieving operational success.
“The discourse on operations has remained at the forefront of military engagements due to the various security challenges our nation faces. This reality necessitates the involvement of multiple security agencies in combating non-state actors who pose threats to law-abiding citizens,” Yahya stated.
He further noted that these security demands require the Nigerian Armed Forces to intensify its support for civil authorities.
“The Army’s response has been robust, holistic, and dynamic, with improved inter-agency cooperation and mission-specific training across all levels. However, the ever-evolving nature of security threats makes it imperative that our training remains adaptive. This operations planning cadre is expected to equip participants with the necessary skills to tackle emerging threats,” he added.
The training underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhancing security operations through continuous learning, strategic collaboration, and inter-agency cooperation.