By Miriam Humbe
The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) held its annual Inter-Agency Seminar for Course 9/2025 participants, focusing on strengthening inter-agency cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
College Public Relations Officer, Major Hashimu Sa’ad Abdullahi disclosed this in a statement signed on Monday.
The event held on 7 April 2025 at the TY Buratai Auditorium, brought together top security stakeholders, government officials, scholars, and professionals with the theme: “Multiplicity of Operations in Nigeria’s Contemporary Security Landscape: Optimizing Multi-Agency Efforts for Effective Threat Response.”
In his keynote address, the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH), Minister of Police Affairs, (Dr) Senator Ibrahim Gaidam emphasized the urgent need for coordinated national efforts to combat the growing range of security threats across the country.
From insurgency and terrorism in the North-East to separatist agitations in the South-East, and banditry and organised crime in other regions, the Minister described Nigeria’s security challenges as multifaceted and rapidly evolving.
He underscored that addressing these threats requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, stressing that security could no longer be viewed as the sole responsibility of the military or the police.
“Multi-agency collaboration is not an option but an imperative,” the Minister stated, calling for stronger synergy among the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, DSS, NSCDC, Immigration, Customs, and other relevant agencies.
The SGOH recommended the establishment of secure, real-time intelligence-sharing platforms and cross-agency joint training programs to foster interoperability and mutual trust.
He also highlighted the importance of leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, surveillance systems, and digital forensics in combating insecurity.
Furthermore, he emphasized the role of civilians and community policing in strengthening intelligence gathering and preventive strategies.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Commandant of AWCN Major General Umar Mohammed Alkali highlighted that the seminar is a key part of the College’s academic curriculum, particularly within the inter-agency cooperation module.
He revealed that 80 participants are currently undergoing the Course, comprising officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and allied nations, including Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Liberia, and The Gambia.
Additionally, he noted the participation of 42 representatives from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), underscoring the increasing focus on joint operations and the vital importance of civil-military collaboration.
The Commandant appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his unwavering support and reaffirmed AWCN’s commitment to building strategic-level officers capable of leading in a joint and multi-agency environment.
“This seminar is designed to deepen cooperation, enhance coordination, and share best practices for national security management,” the Commandant added.
Highlight of the seminar was the keynote lecture delivered by Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd), former National Security Adviser with a topic “Multiplicity of Operations in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Approach to Addressing Contemporary Security Threats.”
The lecture focused on the need for a holistic strategy to address Nigeria’s security challenges, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between all security agencies to ensure effective and timely responses to threats.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Brigadier General Osamade Odigie, the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies of AWCN, who expressed gratitude to the Special Guest of Honour, speakers, and all participants for their invaluable contributions.
