During a special graduation speech at the Nigerian Defence Academy NDA Kaduna State, the Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, underscored the core responsibility of the military, particularly the armed forces, to protect but not to kill civilians while launching newly constructed training facilities that will help to bring the military training procedures up to fitting level.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria is an all-inclusive force in as much as it is for Nigeria and for those of us who call Nigeria our home. This we have to do for Nigeria, we have to protect Nigeria, (to) protect its sovereignty whether within or outside, it is not to harm innocent people,” General Musa said during his Friday visit and went on to caution the security perpetrators across the military, police and other security agencies.
Other highlights of the high-level visit involved the commissioning of other important establishments for instance; the NDA Emergency and Trauma Centre and the operational as well as basic Military training complex in form or actual development that can be observed to point to the improved capability of the military and better welfare of cadets.
During his extensive speech, General Musa shed light on contemporary warfare and the way they are manifesting, especially the increased use of artificial intelligence in security forces. He came down heavily on the various professional negligence, especially pointing out that officers who engage in personal acts, which are counterproductive to duties will be dealt with so harshly.
The message to the junior commanders was also clear, where General Musa declared that they would be posted to some tough locations because that is what is expected of them to safeguard the country. “Absolutely none,” he said, stressing that the military will operate based on merit.
These issues were supported by the NDA Commandant Major General John Ochai who further gave details on how the academy has shifted its training towards Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Military training. This strategic emphasis is meant to enable cadets to face current security complexities such as terrorism and banditry.
This visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate both humanitarian goals and military professionalism and advanced technologies. The armed forces are making efforts in both capacity and guarantee the safety of the civilians’ lives by building more training centres.
The modernization efforts, alongside the enhancement of the concern for the immunity of the civilians, could be viewed as a significant transformation in the aspects of the Nigerian military-strategic thought process, which unites conventional military practices with the humanitarian trends in the field of technologies.