By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Commandant, National Defence College (NDC), Rear Adm. James Okosun, says Nigeria must tackle hybrid security threats with fresh ideas.
Okosun therefore called for urgent and innovative solutions in tackling these growing hybrid security threats in the country.
He made the call on Monday in Abuja, at the opening of the maiden Strategic Defence and Security Management Course (DSMC-SL1) organised by the college’s Centre for Strategic Research and Studies (CSRS).
Okosun represented by the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Ukandu, noted that the country’s security environment was increasingly shaped by a complex mix of challenges.
According to him, our security landscape is now defined by hybrid threats which include violent extremism, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cyber insecurity and climate-related risks.
”These challenges demand collective action, collaboration, strong leadership and fresh ideas in defence and security management.”
Okosun described the course as timely, adding that it was designed to sharpen the knowledge and skills of senior officers and professionals drawn from the Armed Forces, security agencies and partner institutions.
He reminded participants that as senior leaders, their role was central in shaping national security policies, defence strategies and management.
”I urge you to take full advantage of this course to deepen your knowledge, sharpen your leadership skills and become agents of positive change,” he said.
The NDC commandant commended the centre and the Department of Defence and Security Studies (DDSS) for organising the programme.
He also appreciated the resource persons for building the bridge between potential and excellence that would fortify Nigeria’s security architecture.
In his remarks, the Provost, CSRS, Prof. Adam Ahmed, said the DSMC was one of the Centre’s flagship initiatives tailored to equip senior leaders with foresight and resilience.
Ahmed said that the programme was not about numbers, but quality, adding that the aim was to broaden perspectives beyond purely kinetic responses to conflict.
According to him, wars and crises cannot be resolved by force alone. Mediation, engagement and non-kinetic approaches are critical tools in today’s environment.
He stressed that extremist groups in Africa have continued to mutate, raising concerns that the continent could become the epicentre of global conflict in the coming decade.
”It is therefore imperative for our leaders to anticipate, adapt and respond with both resilience and creativity.
”The insights you gain here should not only serve your institutions but also contribute to our shared national security and stability,” he added. (NAN)