- What’s the Buzz? CDS Musa’s call for innovation.
- Who’s Involved? Strategic commanders across security forces.
- Why Now? Evolving terrorist tactics demand new strategies.
- The Goal? Lasting peace in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond!
Musa’s Mandate: Innovate or Evaporate!
Gen. Christopher Musa didn’t mince words. At the opening of the Strategic Commanders Course in Abuja, he told strategic-level leaders from the armed forces, security agencies, and government ministries (MDAs) to step up their game. The course, a collaboration between the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the UK High Commission, aims to sharpen their skills in responding to crisis situations.
Tough Decisions Under Pressure
According to Musa, these leaders are at the forefront of the nation’s response to crises. Their roles demand tough decisions, critical thinking, and decisive action. He emphasized the need to balance competing priorities and manage complexities under intense pressure.
A Whole-of-Society Approach
Musa stressed that security challenges require a unified approach. “Remember that addressing our security challenges requires a whole-of-society approach and is not limited to the security agencies alone,” he stated. This means everyone has a role to play, not just the military.
NCTC’s Push for Inclusivity
Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of NCTC, echoed this sentiment. He emphasized the need to include non-state actors in counter-terrorism efforts. Why? Because terrorist tactics are constantly evolving and becoming more unpredictable. Stakeholder engagement and proactive training are crucial.
Beyond Bullets: Non-Kinetic Approaches
Laka highlighted that managing crises involves anticipation, preparation, organization, and application. He stressed that realistic training must account for the fact that terrorist acts rarely occur at convenient times. Moreover, he noted that kinetic approaches (i.e., military force) alone cannot end terrorism.
“Our experience in counter-terrorism over the years has shown that kinetic approaches cannot end terrorism alone,” Laka said. “Therefore, we place significant emphasis on non-kinetic approaches to counter-terrorism, focusing on addressing the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism.”
UK’s Continued Support
Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, represented by Defence Adviser Brig. Tom Harper, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s security efforts. He noted that a defense partnership was signed in 2024, and the current training package is designed to improve multi-agency command and control at all levels.
What This Means for Nigeria
The CDS’s directive and the ongoing training program signal a renewed effort to tackle terrorism in Nigeria. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and a broader societal approach, the nation hopes to turn the tide against extremism. Will it work? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the stakes are high.
Key Takeaways
- Nigerian military commanders are being urged to “think outside the box” in counter-terrorism efforts.
- The initiative emphasizes a “whole-of-society” approach, involving non-state actors.
- The UK is providing support through training programs and a defense partnership.
- The goal is to address the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism.
