By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has charged graduands of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) to translate knowledge acquired during their nine-month intensive professional military education into decisive action in the field.
General Musa gave the charge on Friday, 16th October, 2026, at the graduation ceremony of 99 participants of Course 10/2026 of the College in Abuja, where he was Special Guest of Honour.
According to a statement by the Chief Information Officer, Queenet Iheoma-Hart, the Minister said the true measure of their training lies in their ability to deliver results and strengthen national security.
“Go out to the field and make the difference,” he said.
Re-echoing President Bola Tinubu’s directive at the recently held National Security Council meeting that the fight against insecurity must not extend into a third decade, Musa urged the graduating officers to demonstrate commitment, discipline and operational effectiveness required to achieve lasting results.
He emphasised that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains a highly professional and committed force, adding that hard work, dedication and proven performance must remain the foundation for career advancement.
He noted that only those who have shown commitment and integrity will be entrusted with higher responsibilities, citing the career progression of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, as an example.
General Musa said modern warfare is no longer won by nations with the most expensive equipment alone, as seen in ongoing global conflicts, and called on all departments of the Armed Forces to adapt to technological changes for operational success.
He also called on the Armed Forces to support peaceful, safe and credible electoral processes by collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to protect citizens from intimidation.
Earlier, the Commandant, Army War College Nigeria, Major General Umar Alkali, reaffirmed the College’s commitment to training competent military leaders.
He noted that Course 10/2026 completed 37 weeks of intensive training and recorded historic milestones, including the participation of the first female officers and the highest number of allied participants since establishment.
Alkali emphasised indigenous technological innovation and inter-agency cooperation as essential to strengthening military effectiveness.
Highlights of the event included presentation of Fellowship Awards to the 99 graduands, presentation of a special souvenir and a Five Million Naira token to a wounded officer among the graduands, presentation of certificates and awards, Merit Awards by the Chief of Army Staff, induction of graduates into the Alumni Association by its President, Brig. Gen. O.A. Ogunleye (rtd), and unveiling of the AWCN Journal, Magazine and books.
The ceremony was attended by the Director, Army, Ministry of Defence, senior military officers, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries.
