Nigerian Army 81 Division Commences Operations Planning Cadre to Boost Security in Lagos, Ogun

Training Aims to Strengthen Operational Readiness and Inter-Agency Cooperation

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army (NA) has launched its 2024 Operations Planning Cadre, a strategic training program aimed at enhancing security in Lagos and Ogun states. Themed “Enhancing Operational Readiness Through Effective Planning, Collaboration, and Capacity Development,” the event took place at the Army Officers Mess, Marina and brought together security personnel from various agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), among others.

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A Forum for Strategic Planning and Security Collaboration

Speaking at the event, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, highlighted the importance of the training in improving security operations. He emphasized that the Operations Planning Cadre provides a platform for officers to develop better strategies, exchange ideas, and improve coordination among security agencies.

“The Operations Planning Cadre is significant in that it affords the Nigerian Army a forum to brainstorm extensively and come up with better ways to project activities of the NA. It also serves as an avenue for interaction among officers within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR) and representatives of sister security agencies,” Mijinyawa stated.

He further explained that the training was designed to equip officers with the necessary skills to plan and lead operations effectively, especially in multi-agency security collaborations. The involvement of different security agencies in the training, he noted, was aimed at creating a more realistic approach to joint security operations in Nigeria.

Importance of Training, Discipline, and Commitment in Security Operations

Also speaking at the event, Maj.-Gen. Baba Umaru Yahya, the Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, emphasized the need for enhanced operational readiness in response to Nigeria’s current security challenges.

“The discourse on military operations has remained at the forefront of national security discussions. Nigeria is facing multiple security threats, and this necessitates increased involvement of security agencies in combating non-state actors who pose threats to law-abiding citizens,” Yahya stated.

He pointed out that these security challenges have placed enormous demands on the Nigerian Armed Forces, requiring them to step up operations in support of civil authority.

“I, therefore, wish to reiterate that training, discipline, and commitment to duty are essential components in achieving success in operations,” he added.

A Dynamic Approach to Evolving Security Threats

Yahya further noted that Nigeria’s security threats are multidimensional and constantly evolving, making it necessary for the Nigerian Army to adopt a more robust and dynamic response strategy. He emphasized that inter-agency cooperation and mission-specific training are crucial for tackling contemporary security challenges.

“The dynamic nature of threats necessitates training that is constantly adaptive. It is expected that this Operations Planning Cadre will equip officers with the requisite skills to respond effectively,” he concluded.

A Step Towards Strengthening Security in Southwest Nigeria

The 81 Division’s Operations Planning Cadre is expected to bolster security measures in Lagos and Ogun states by enhancing planning efficiency, coordination, and strategic execution of military and security operations. With growing security concerns in the country, the training reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving security preparedness through capacity development and collaboration with other security agencies.

As security threats continue to evolve, experts believe that continuous training, discipline, and cooperation will be key in ensuring a safer environment for residents of Lagos, Ogun, and the entire Southwest region.