Defence Minister charges Army War College graduands to be professional, intensify efforts against insecurity

The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has charged graduands of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) to translate the knowledge acquired during their nine-month intensive professional military education into decisive action in the field.

General Musa gave the charge on Friday, 16th October, 2026, at the Graduation Ceremony of ninety-nine (99) participants of Course 10/2026 of the Army War College Nigeria in Abuja, where he was the Special Guest of Honour.

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The Minister stated that the true measure of their training lies in their ability to deliver results and strengthen national security. “Go out to the field and make the difference,” he said. Re-echoing Mr. President’s directive at the recently held National Security Council (NSC) meeting that the fight against insecurity must not extend into a third decade, General Musa urged the graduating officers to demonstrate the commitment, discipline and operational effectiveness required to achieve lasting results. He emphasized that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains a highly professional and committed force.

General Musa further stressed that hard work, dedication and proven performance must remain the foundation for career advancement in the Armed Forces. He noted that only those who have shown true commitment and integrity will be entrusted with higher responsibilities, citing the career progression of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, as an example. He noted that modern warfare is no longer won by nations with the most expensive equipment alone, as seen in ongoing global conflicts, and called on all departments of the Armed Forces to adapt to technological changes for operational success, stressing that innovation is not exclusive to Engineers.

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The Minister also called on the Armed Forces to support peaceful, safe and credible electoral processes by working in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies, to protect citizens from intimidation and prevent any individual or group from undermining the electoral process.

Earlier, the Commandant, Army War College Nigeria, Major General Umar Alkali, reaffirmed the College’s commitment to training competent military leaders. He noted that Course 10/2026 completed 37 weeks of intensive professional military education and recorded historic milestones, including the participation of the first female officers and the highest number of allied participants since the establishment of the College. He emphasized indigenous technological innovation and inter-agency cooperation as essential to strengthening military effectiveness, and charged the graduands to uphold professionalism, integrity and sound judgment in advancing Nigeria’s national security objectives.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of Fellowship Awards to the ninety-nine (99) graduands by the Honourable Minister; the presentation of a Special Souvenir and a Five Million Naira token to a wounded officer among the graduands in recognition of his courage; presentation of certificates and awards; presentation of Merit Awards by the Chief of Army Staff; induction of graduates into the Alumni Association of the Army War College Nigeria (AAAWCN) by the President of the Association, Brigadier General O.A. Ogunleye (Rtd); official unveiling and launch of the AWCN Journal, Magazine and books; presentation of awards to Distinguished Eminent Fellows; and presentation of souvenirs to the Special Guest of Honour and the Honourable Minister of Defence. Among the graduands were allied officers from African countries including South Africa, Cameroon and others. The event was attended by the Director, Army, MoD, senior military officers, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries.

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