Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, has called on military experts to devise fresh, practical strategies to combat the rising wave of mass kidnappings in Nigeria. Speaking at the launch of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Wargaming Centre in Abuja, Shaibu emphasized that conventional tactics are no longer sufficient to secure communities and schools.
The General highlighted that the persistent threat of abduction prevents children from attending school, particularly in rural regions. He directed the college to utilize the new facility to simulate scenarios within Nigeria’s vast forests and analyze how state policing might influence national security decision-making. By refining coordination among security branches, Shaibu believes the military can improve its speed and effectiveness in emergency situations.
The Wargaming Centre is intended to serve as a hub for research and strategic development. Commandant Maj. Gen. Umar Alkali noted that the facility will enhance leadership training, while Brig. Gen. Eyitayo Shoda added that the team has already created local models to address counterterrorism and insurgency. Shaibu expressed strong belief that this analytical approach will lead to actionable solutions for safeguarding the nation.
