COAS inaugurates land warfare wargaming centre, says facility will deepen officers’ operational planning
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday inaugurated the newly constructed Land Warfare Wargaming Centre at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, describing the project as a major milestone in strengthening operational training and military education in the country.
Shaibu, who served as Special Guest of Honour at the commissioning ceremony, said the state-of-the-art centre would significantly enhance the capacity of officers to engage in advanced operational planning, mission rehearsal and strategic decision-making.
He said the completion of the project demonstrated the military’s collective resolve to equip officers with the skills required to address contemporary and future security challenges.
“This centre is not only significant to this College but to the Nigerian Army and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.
“The successful completion of this project is a bold statement in our determination to deepen officers’ operational planning capabilities, enhance military education and further prepare our officers for emerging threats.”
The COAS commended the Armed Forces Command and Staff College for maintaining its reputation as a centre of excellence in producing high-quality middle-level officers who contribute to national defence objectives.
“As a proud graduate of this College, I am pleased to remain associated with its continuous transformation,” he added.
Shaibu applauded the progress recorded by the Department of Land Warfare, noting that the execution of several key projects by his predecessors had contributed to improved academic outcomes and a more effective learning environment.
He described the new Wargaming Centre as a necessary complement to the Lt Gen T.Y. Buratai Operations Centre, adding that it would enhance the training of officers in land warfare doctrine and joint operations.
The COAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “unrelenting support to the Nigerian Army,” saying such support made the execution of strategic projects possible.
He also thanked the Commandant of AFCSC, AVM HI Alhaji, for his commitment to improving the college’s infrastructure and training systems, and commended the Director of the Department of Land Warfare, Brig.-Gen. N.U.C. Ogili, for ensuring the timely and quality completion of the project.
Shaibu acknowledged the contributions of the directing staff, administrative officers and college community, noting that they were collective stakeholders in ensuring the effective utilisation and maintenance of the new facility.
He urged students, who are the primary beneficiaries, to make optimal use of the centre to enhance their understanding of operational art, strategic planning and battlefield decision-making.
“I congratulate the Commandant, staff and students of AFCSC on this historic achievement,” he said.
