Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has urged officers graduating from the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) to turn their training into measurable security gains, stressing that their competence must translate into results on the ground.
Musa gave the charge on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the graduation ceremony of Course 10/2026 in Abuja, where 99 officers completed 37 weeks of intensive professional military education.
“Go out to the field and make the difference,” he told the graduates, urging them to apply their knowledge and leadership skills to Nigeria’s security challenges.
He recalled President Bola Tinubu’s reported directive that the fight against insecurity must not extend into a third decade, calling for renewed commitment to achieving lasting progress.
Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to their constitutional duties, insisting that integrity, discipline and proven performance must determine career advancement. He cited Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu’s career progression as an example of professional competence.
On modern warfare, the minister stressed that military success required innovation and adaptability beyond sophisticated equipment. He urged personnel to embrace emerging technologies and develop solutions suited to Nigeria’s security needs.
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He also called for closer cooperation among the military, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to protect voters from intimidation and ensure peaceful, credible elections.
Earlier, AWCN Commandant Major General Umar Alkali reaffirmed the college’s commitment to preparing officers for evolving security challenges. He identified the first participation of female officers and the highest number of allied military participants in the college’s history as key milestones of the course.
Alkali also highlighted indigenous technological development and inter-agency cooperation as essential to improving military effectiveness.
The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates and fellowship awards to the 99 graduates. A wounded officer received a special souvenir and N5 million in recognition of his courage, while the Chief of Army Staff presented merit awards to outstanding participants.
Brigadier General O.A. Ogunleye (retd.), president of the Army War College Nigeria Alumni Association, inducted the graduates into the association. The college also unveiled its journal, magazine and books and honoured distinguished eminent fellows.
Military officers from other African countries, including South Africa and Cameroon, were among the graduates. Senior military officers, Ministry of Defence representatives, diplomats and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.