In an apparent move to address security challenges bedeviling the country, the Nigerian Army has widened its scope of operation by infusing other sister services , including the Police and paramilitary agencies, in Military Operations Other than War, MOOTW.

Air Vice Marshal Sani Liman, (m) , GOC 81 DIV.
Major General Sani Yusuf (m) in a group photograph with participants at the closing ceremony of Operation Planning Cadre 2019.

As first step, the Army, held a 5-Day training on Operation Planning Cadre, with the theme ‘ Sustaining Capacity Building as Key to Successful Conduct of MOOTW , , where representatives of all security agencies, except the Police, were present.

Speaking yesterday, at the closing ceremony of the Operations Planning Cadre for officers within 81 Division of the Nigerian Army ‘s area of responsibility the Commandant, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal Sani Liman, who was Special Guest, averred that the training had improved participants’ knowledge and standard that would enhance their performance in their various roles in Military duties.

He stated that participants were put through the Estimate Planning Process in MOOTW, Military Decision Making Process, Inter-cooperation in MOOTW and the Legal Obligations/Human Rights , in the conduct of Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency.

Addressing participants, AVM Liman said, “Your knowledge were broadened on Intelligence Gathering as a tool to successfully conduct military operations , logistics planning in MOOTW and Social Media/ Citizenship, their influence and effects on military operations as well as interactive sections.

“ I am therefore, convinced that these topics were carefully selected for the cadre , in fulfillment of the Army Headquarter and the Division training directives. Let me also quickly point out here that as middle/junior commanders and staff officers, this cadre experience will come handy in your various courses, either in your service/ organization or courses at AFCSC. It will equally be beneficial in command and staff roles while carrying out your professional military duties”.

Addressing journalists, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Sani Yusuf , explained that the training was designed to improve the operational planning skills of Commanders and Staff and officers in both joint and single service operations , in order to enhance synergy ,professional output, as well as exposing them to aspect of MOOTW.

The training according to him, was in adherence to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai’s directive , in line with his vision to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional role.

The GOC who informed that the training was held simultaneously in all Army divisions across the country, said, “ “Training like this is done in order to improve the professional efficiency of our officers and soldiers. It is to make our officers better professionals in the discharge of their duty, be it in peace time or in operational areas.”
Responding to question on why the Police was not represented, he said, “All security agencies were invited because the MOOTW is internal operation and we are all aware that the police is the lead agency in internal security operations. We all have our respective roles to play.
“But in the next training, we will ensure that we get across to them aside sending letter of invitation, so that they can be present. The training is supposed to be held every quarter , going by the directive from Army headquarters but at the division’s level, we are trying to do it more than once a quarter,” he said.