The Department of Army Transformation and Innovation organized a vital sensitization visit on June 13, 2024, at the Headquarters 3 Division Auditorium in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos. This event, focusing on the Nigeria Army Lessons Learned Process, Drug Abuse, and PTSD Management in the Nigerian Army,” underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving troop welfare and operational effectiveness.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja, represented by Maj Gen F.S Etim, highlighted the importance of this sensitization program. He welcomed participants and emphasized the program’s role in addressing the complex security challenges in Nigeria. Lt Gen Lagbaja noted that the Nigerian Army continuously reviews its tactics and strategies, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to effectively tackle these challenges.
The sensitization program aims to enhance the understanding of the Nigerian Army’s Lessons Learned Process among personnel. The increasing incidence of drug abuse and PTSD among troops necessitates raising awareness about their effects and management. Lt Gen Lagbaja called on commanders to develop innovative measures to reduce battle fatigue and improve man-management and battle readiness.
The Chief of Army Staff emphasized the need for commanders to integrate lessons from both successes and mistakes into daily planning processes, thus optimizing operational efficiency and reducing costs. He commended the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation for organizing this crucial program and encouraged participants to use this opportunity to expand their knowledge and improve their operational effectiveness.
Major General A.E Abubakar, GOC 3 Div/Commander Operation Safe Haven, further enriched the opening session. He acknowledged the presence of key military personnel, including the Director of Western Slants, Major General F.S. Etim, Chief of Staff Headquarters 3 Division, the Commander of 3 Div. Garrison, and other esteemed officers. He also welcomed observers from the Department of Standard and Evaluation and representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Division.
Maj Gen Abubakar conveyed the Chief of Army Staff’s high regard for this training seminar, explaining that due to pressing official duties, Lt Gen Lagbaja could not attend in person. He emphasized the program’s significance in enhancing troops’ understanding of the Nigerian Army Lessons Learned Process, addressing drug and substance abuse, and managing PTSD among deployed troops. The need for innovative measures to reduce battle fatigue and improve man-management was a key point in his address.
The sensitization program is designed to improve the capacity of Nigerian Army personnel by integrating lessons from past experiences into daily planning. These lessons, derived from both successes and mistakes, are crucial for reducing operational costs and enhancing combat effectiveness. Maj Gen Abubakar stressed the importance of critical thinking and creativity in commanders, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy.
Maj Gen Abubakar praised the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation for organizing this essential program. He encouraged participants to make the most of this opportunity to expand their knowledge on the issues discussed. He assured continued support and commended the participants’ loyalty and dedication to duty. He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in providing necessary resources to the Nigerian Army.
The sensitization program is designed to improve the capacity of Nigerian Army personnel by integrating lessons from past experiences into daily planning. These lessons, derived from both successes and mistakes, are crucial for reducing operational costs and enhancing combat effectiveness. Maj Gen Abubakar stressed the importance of critical thinking and creativity in commanders, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy.
Commendations and Encouragement
Maj Gen Abubakar praised the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation for organizing this essential program. He encouraged participants to make the most of this opportunity to expand their knowledge on the issues discussed. He assured continued support and commended the participants’ loyalty and dedication to duty. He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in providing necessary resources to the Nigerian Army.
Maj O.B Onu delivered the first presentation, explaining the Nigerian Army Lessons Learned Process. He stressed the importance of learning from past experiences to achieve improvement, aiming to familiarize troops with the operation’s safe haven outcomes and the need for a potential review of doctrines, procedures, processes, and tactics.
The event also featured in-depth lessons on drug abuse and PTSD management. Participants engaged in an interactive session, asking vital questions and gaining further insights into these critical issues.
In conclusion, Lt Gen Lagbaja expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the program’s success. He assured participants of continued support and praised their loyalty and dedication to duty. He also acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in providing necessary resources to the Nigerian Army.
The event ended with a group photograph, marking the successful conclusion of a significant initiative to enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness and commitment to troop welfare.
