Nigerian Army War College embarks on geo-strategic tour of four countries

The Nigerian Army said the Course 7/2023 Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) participants have embarked on a geo-strategic study tour to Uganda, Morocco, Togo, and Algeria.

Major Hashimu Sa’ad Abdullahi, College Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

The tour, themed “Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure of National Defence,” is meant to expose participants to Nigeria’s sphere of influence within its geo-strategic environment.

The tour, which commenced on June 10, 2023, will also enable the participants to understand the nexus between geo-political mechanisms and the foreign policy posture of Nigeria with countries within and outside the sub-region.

Major Abdullahi said the 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, adding that the tour will also make the participants appreciate the security implications of Nigeria being a regional power and what should be done to maintain the status.

He added that the tour broadens their perspectives, enhances their critical thinking skills, and enables them to apply strategic principles in practical settings.

During the tour, participants will visit different military formations, including training centres, command headquarters, and other nations’ critical infrastructures.

“They will also have the opportunity to interact with senior military officers, engage in discussions on operational challenges, and learn from their experiences.

“The participants will also visit historical sites that hold significant importance to the country’s military history,” he said.

The exercise director for the entire tour is the commandant of the college, Major General Bamidele Alabi, while other senior staff officers are appointed to lead participants to particular countries.

While Brigadier General TJ Mackintosh leads Team 1 to Uganda, Team 2, visiting Morocco, has Brigadier General UM Alkali, the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies at AWCN, as its leader. Team 3 is led by Brigadier General U.G. Yusuf to Togo, while Team 4, visiting Algeria, has as its leader Brigadier General F.O. Onu.

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