By Augustine Ehikioya
For more exposure, participants of Course 7/2023 Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) have embarked on a Geo-strategic Study Tour (GSST) to Uganda, Morocco, Togo and Algeria.
The tour, which started on June 10, 2023, will among other objectives enable the participants to understand the nexus between geo-political mechanisms and foreign policy posture of Nigeria with countries within and outside the sub-region.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the College Public Relations Officer, Major Hashimu Sa’ad Abdullahi, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It said “The objective of the tour with the theme “Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure of National Defence” is to expose participants to the sphere of influence Nigeria has within its geo-strategic environment.
“Study tour is a vital component of the participants’ training curriculum as it provides them with practical exposure to real-life military operations, tactics, and decision-making processes.
“The tour will also make the participants appreciate the security implication of Nigeria being the regional power and what should be done to maintain the status.
“Additionally, it broadens their perspectives, enhance their critical thinking skills, and enable them to apply strategic principles in practical settings.”
While on the tour, the statement said, participants will visit different military formations, including “training centres, command headquarters, and other nations’ critical infrastructures.”
It said that the participants will also have the opportunity to interact with senior military officers, engage in discussions on operational challenges, and learn from their experiences.
The statement added “The participants will also visit historical sites that hold significant importance to the country’s military history.”
Naming the Exercise Director for the entire tour as the Commandant of the College, Major General Bamidele Alabi it said other senior staff officers are appointed to lead participants to particular country as follows:
“Team 1 led led by Brigadier General TJ Mackintosh would be visiting Uganda.
“Team 2 leader visiting Morocco is Brigadier General UM Alkali, the Deputy Commandant/Director of Studies AWCN.
“Team 3 visiting Togo would be led by Brigadier General UG Yusuf and
“Team 4 visiting Algeria would be led by Brigadier General FO Onu.”
The statement said AWCN remains committed to providing high-quality education and training to military officers, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles as strategic leaders.
“The strategic study tour is just one aspect of the comprehensive curriculum offered by the College, which includes theoretical and practical modules on national security, defence management, leadership and strategic planning,” it stated.
