The Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, has stressed the complex and multifaceted nature of the current security challenges facing the Nigerian Army.
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In a speech delivered at the opening of an operation planning cadre at the 8 Division headquarters in Sokoto on Tuesday, General Ajose underscored the need for innovation and adaptability in military operations to address these evolving threats.

Declaring open the operation planning cadre with the theme, “Leveraging New Technologies for Innovative Operations Planning Process by Commanders in a Joint Environment,” Ajose stressed that modern warfare demands new strategies and technological integration.

He said, “The challenges we face today are multidimensional, complex, and often transnational. Whether it is countering insurgency, tackling terrorism or banditry, or maintaining internal security, the need for innovation and adaptability in our operations planning process cannot be overemphasised.
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“This is in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy 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.

“I am highly optimistic that this cadre will among other benefits afford the carefully selected resource persons and the participants, the opportunity to deliberate and make meaningful contributions and come up with workable plans that will assist in addressing most operational and administrative challenges that are inimical to Nigerian Army operational engagements in various theatres.”

Ajose noted that today’s battlefields extend beyond traditional strategies to include cyber, space, and information warfare. He urged commanders to embrace these technologies to enhance operational effectiveness.
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“Let me reiterate that the theme recognises the critical role that technology plays in modern military operations. In the past, wars were fought with traditional strategies and conventional weapons. However, today the battlefield has expanded into new domains such as cyber, space and information warfare. As commanders, it is essential that we understand and leverage these technologies to enhance our operational effectiveness and achieve mission success,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the cadre will provide valuable insights and strategies to improve the Nigerian Army’s capabilities and readiness. Ajose also commended the presence of heads of security agencies and their officers, anticipating that the discussions will be both enlightening and impactful.

The GOC also underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism and the defense of the nation.
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He called on participants in the training cadre to explore ways to integrate new technologies into the operations planning process and enhance collaboration among different security agencies.

He added, “However, to maintain our edge and stay ahead of potential adversaries, we must continuously evolve strategies and methodologies. This cadre provides us with an excellent opportunity to discuss and explore how new technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, cyber capabilities and advanced surveillance systems can be integrated into our operations planning process.

“In a joint environment like ours, where coordination between different services and agencies is crucial, the ability to effectively harness technology becomes even more critical. Our operations no longer exist in isolation, they require collaboration across multiple domains and partners.

“As commanders, we must be able to synchronise our efforts, share intelligence and make informed decisions in real-time. This demands a new way of thinking and planning which embraces innovation and technological advancement. As we embark on this cadre, I urge you all to approach the discussions with an open mind and willingness to learn.”

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