Nigerian Army sensitizes officers on contingency planning and security strategies
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3 Division and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General AE Abubakar, has emphasized the critical importance of effective planning as a fundamental approach to addressing the nation’s evolving security challenges.
Speaking during a sensitization lecture on campaign and contingency planning on Friday, at the 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, the GOC emphasized that the nation’s security hinges on well-coordinated and adaptive responses to threats.
Organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations, the lecture was designed to equip officers with the skills needed to develop actionable contingency and campaign plans.
Major General Abubakar, who hosted the session, noted that the dynamic nature of security threats such as terrorism, insurgency, and kidnapping requires deliberate and collaborative planning to safeguard lives and property.
He highlighted the importance of leadership in ensuring the success of any plan, explaining that while no plan can predict future outcomes perfectly, the process of planning strengthens operational preparedness.
He said:”. “Leadership is the cornerstone of effective planning and execution,. I urge you all to approach this session with an open mind, contribute your experiences, and learn from one another. Our success as officers depends on the quality of the strategies we draft and how effectively we execute them.”
He encouraged participants to translate the knowledge gained into actionable strategies to address security challenges, particularly as the Army prepares to ensure peace and stability during the harvest and festive season.
“Let us take this opportunity to not only learn but to transform our understanding into effective strategies that enhance our readiness and reaffirm our dedication to protecting the nation,” he remarked.
Representing the Chief of Operations Campaign Plans, Major General A.M. Alechenu, the Deputy Chief of Operations Campaign Plans, provided deeper insights into the practical aspects of contingency planning.
He described it as a blueprint for emergency readiness, which outlines clear roles and actions for troops during crises.
He explained, “A well-drafted contingency plan ensures that if insurgents attack or disasters strike, troops already know where to move and what to do, preventing adversaries from gaining an upper hand.”
The session also served as a platform for officers to discuss their challenges and share best practices in modern military planning. It underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to operational excellence and the proactive preparation of its personnel for diverse security challenges.