Nigerian president urges military reforms to tackle contemporary security challenges

By Olanrewaju Kola

ABUJA, Nigeria (AA) – Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday called for reforms in military doctrine and practices to tackle contemporary security challenges.

Addressing a graduation ceremony at the Nigerian Armed Forces Command and Staff College, located in the country's northwest Kaduna, Tinubu asked military leaders to be courageous in executing the reforms.

“We must be brave enough to reform military doctrine and practice. We do not face a conventional army on the traditional field of battle,” he said.

Tinubu said nations in Africa face common security threats from elements who are “mobile, elusive, and irregular forces” that defy conventional rules of warfare.

The reforms should focus on an approach to warfare, military doctrine, and modern platforms for tackling new security threats, including terrorism, the president suggested.

Earlier on Thursday, the Nigerian leader promised to improve the security of the nation battling banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.

Tinubu asked the service chiefs to collaborate for improving the security of the country.

The president also directed the distribution of tons of grains to the citizens to cushion the impact of petrol hikes and inflation which experts said could fuel crimes.

Nigeria, one of Africa's largest producers of crude, has been subsidizing the import of refined petrol for nearly three decades.

On May 29, Tinubu announced the removal of subsidy, leading to a rise in petrol prices, transportation, food, and other essentials.