By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army Department of Army Operations (DAOPS) has kicked off its First Quarter Maiden Sensitization Seminar for 2025, themed “Improving Campaign Planning Capability in the NA: Options and Strategies.” The three-day event, which began on February 19, is being held at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai Hall, Army War College Nigeria, in Abuja.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, represented by the Director General Land Forces Simulation Centre Nigeria, Major General UA Yusuf, kicked off the seminar by highlighting the crucial role of structured and intelligence-driven campaign planning in addressing modern security threats.
He reaffirmed his dedication to transforming the Nigerian Army into a highly motivated and combat-ready force, capable of effectively fulfilling its constitutional duties in a collaborative environment with other agencies.
The COAS emphasized the importance of intelligent planning in military operations, which involves gathering and analyzing critical information to anticipate and counter potential threats. This approach enables the army to make informed decisions, optimize resource utilization, and minimize casualties. By adopting this strategy, the Nigerian Army aims to enhance its operational effectiveness and better serve the nation.
The COAS praised the organizers for creating a vital platform that fosters knowledge sharing and strategic discussions. He also thanked the Army War College Nigeria for hosting the event, highlighting its crucial role in developing operational and strategic thinking within the Nigerian Army. By acknowledging the college’s importance, the COAS reinforced the value of collaborative learning and dialogue in enhancing the army’s effectiveness.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Operations (Army), Major General BR Sinjen, ably represented by the Deputy Chief of Operations Campaign Planning Major General OA Awolo highlighted the significance of campaign planning in military operations, stating that Nigeria’s security challenges, ranging from insurgency and banditry to oil theft, kidnapping, and communal clashes, require well-structured and adaptive operational strategies.
“A well-executed campaign plan minimizes casualties, optimizes resource utilization, and ensures precision in military interventions. Military personnel must think ahead, anticipate threats, and develop contingency plans to ensure tactical victories translate into strategic success,” Maj Gen Sinjen stated.
The ongoing seminar is a key component of the Nigerian Army’s comprehensive strategy to enhance professional military education, boost operational preparedness, and promote inter-command collaboration to effectively address national security concerns.
The seminar will feature a curated selection of lectures, including: Domesticating Operational Planning in the NA as a Panacea to Tackling Contemporary Complex Security Challenges: The Role of Commanders,” “Introduction to Operational Level Planning Process in 7 Steps Operational Estimate,” “Mission Analysis in Operational Estimate. These lectures, among others, will provide invaluable insights and expertise to attendees.
