The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has concluded a landmark four-day Capacity Building and Regional Doctrine Workshop in Abuja, marking a significant step toward harmonizing military operations across West Africa.The workshop, organized by the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC) at the Army War College Nigeria, drew participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Senegal, and Sierra Leone to address evolving regional security threats.Intellectual Foundation of WarfareIn a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, described the JDWC’s establishment as a “decisive step” for Nigeria’s sovereignty and operational efficiency.Represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal FO Edosa, the CDS emphasized that military doctrine serves as the essential framework for successful operations.”The insights generated during this workshop must be refined into doctrinal publications that will guide strategy, policy, and operational concepts,” General Oluyede stated.The CDS further lauded the ECOWAS team for its role in strengthening the ECOWAS Standby Force and expressed gratitude to the British Defence Staff (West Africa) for facilitating specialized resource persons.Developing a ‘Tri-Service’ CadreThe Director General of the JDWC, Major General AE Edet, explained that the program followed a strategic two-phase structure:Phase One: Targeted at Nigerian personnel to solidify internal standards.Phase Two: Integrated regional partners to foster a unified approach to joint warfare.The primary goal, according to Major General Edet, is to build a high-level “tri-service cadre” of doctrine writers and validators capable of aligning military concepts across different branches and nations.Strengthening Regional ReadinessWithin only six months of its operational launch, the JDWC has utilized a mix of retired senior officers and international experts to broaden its expertise. Officials noted that this diversity is critical for multi-agency cooperation and regional readiness.The workshop’s conclusion signals a shift toward a more collaborative and intellectually grounded defense strategy, reinforcing the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and its neighbors to collective security.
