CDS Musa charges strategic commanders to act collaboratively in counter-terrorism efforts

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called on strategic commanders across Nigeria’s security forces to think outside the box and work collaboratively as the country intensifies its counter-terrorism operations.

Musa made the remarks on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the Strategic Commanders Course, organized by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in partnership with the UK High Commission.

The course brought together senior leaders from the armed forces, security agencies, and various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) involved in crisis response.

In his speech, General Musa emphasized the importance of critical thinking, decisiveness, and teamwork in addre  ssing the country’s security challenges.

He urged the commanders to adopt a whole-of-society approach to counter-terrorism, stressing that the effort should not be confined to security agencies alone.

“Addressing our security challenges requires a whole-of-society approach and is not limited to the security agencies alone.

You must therefore think out of the box and act collaboratively,” Musa stated, encouraging participants to manage competing priorities and make tough decisions under intense pressure.

He further assured the commanders that the course would enhance their skills in responding effectively to crisis situations, contributing to lasting peace in Nigeria, the African sub-region, and globally.

Major-General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, also highlighted the importance of including non-state actors in counter-terrorism efforts.

Laka pointed out that as terrorist tactics evolve unpredictably, engaging all stakeholders and proactive training are vital in crisis management.

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He emphasized that combating terrorism requires a combination of anticipation, preparation, organization, and flexible application of strategies.

Laka also noted that law enforcement agencies must continue to learn about contemporary terrorism and focus on non-kinetic approaches, such as addressing the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, represented by Defence Adviser Brigadier Tom Harper, spoke on the UK-Nigeria defense partnership, which includes a defense training package aimed at enhancing multi-agency command and control.

Harper also noted that participants would be trained on the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme (JECIP) principles, currently used in the UK and refined after each terrorist incident.

“This inaugural course will set the foundations for two further planned courses that will prepare commanders at all levels to react effectively in the event of a terrorist or crisis incident,” said Harper.

As Nigeria continues to confront terrorism and violent extremism, the strategic commanders‘ course marks an important step towards strengthening the nation’s security response through enhanced collaboration and training.