The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has charged graduands of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) to translate the knowledge acquired during their intensive professional military training into decisive operational action to end insecurity across the country.

General Musa gave the charge on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the graduation ceremony of 99 participants of Course 10/2026 of the Army War College Nigeria in Abuja, where he served as the Special Guest of Honour.

The Minister stressed that the success of the nine-month training programme would ultimately be measured by the graduands’ ability to deliver tangible results on the battlefield and strengthen national security.

“Go out to the field and make the difference,” he charged the graduating officers.

Reiterating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive at the recently held National Security Council meeting that the fight against insecurity must not extend into a third decade, General Musa urged the officers to demonstrate the discipline, commitment and operational effectiveness required to achieve lasting peace and security.

He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained a highly professional and committed force, capable of confronting the country’s security challenges.

The Defence Minister further emphasised that hard work, dedication, integrity and proven performance must remain the basis for career advancement in the military. According to him, officers entrusted with higher responsibilities must demonstrate genuine commitment to service and the capacity to deliver results.

He cited the career progression of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as an example of the importance of professionalism and merit in military service.

General Musa also called on the Armed Forces to embrace technological innovation, noting that modern warfare is no longer determined solely by the possession of expensive military equipment.

Drawing attention to ongoing conflicts around the world, he stressed the need for all departments of the Armed Forces to adapt to emerging technologies and innovative approaches to improve operational effectiveness.

He noted that innovation should not be regarded as the exclusive responsibility of engineers, but as a collective obligation across the military.

On electoral security, the Minister urged the Armed Forces to support peaceful, safe and credible elections through effective collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies.

He emphasised the need to protect citizens from intimidation and prevent individuals or groups from undermining the electoral process.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Major General Umar Alkali, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing competent military leaders equipped to address contemporary security challenges.

Major General Alkali disclosed that participants of Course 10/2026 had completed 37 weeks of intensive professional military education, recording significant milestones in the history of the institution.

These included the participation of the first female officers and the highest number of allied participants since the establishment of the College.

The Commandant highlighted indigenous technological innovation and inter-agency cooperation as critical elements in strengthening military effectiveness.

He charged the graduands to uphold professionalism, integrity and sound judgment in the discharge of their responsibilities, while contributing meaningfully to the achievement of Nigeria’s national security objectives.

Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of Fellowship Awards to the 99 graduands by the Minister of Defence, alongside certificates and other honours.

A special souvenir and a cash token of ₦5 million were also presented to a wounded officer among the graduands in recognition of his courage and sacrifice.

The Chief of Army Staff presented Merit Awards to deserving participants, while the President of the Alumni Association of the Army War College Nigeria (AAAWCN), Brigadier General O.A. Ogunleye (Rtd), formally inducted the graduates into the association.

The ceremony also featured the official unveiling and launch of the Army War College Nigeria Journal, Magazine and books, as well as the presentation of awards to Distinguished Eminent Fellows and souvenirs to the Special Guest of Honour and the Minister of Defence.

Among the graduating participants were allied officers from African countries, including South Africa and Cameroon, underscoring the College’s contribution to professional military education and cooperation among African armed forces.

The event was attended by the Director, Army, Ministry of Defence; senior military officers; members of the diplomatic corps; and other distinguished dignitaries.