Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has advocated the adoption of an adaptable, creative and domestically developed strategy to tackle the security threats facing the country due to the complexity and changing nature such threats.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede canvassed this approach at a seminar with the theme: “Adoption of indigenous technology in enhancing the Nigerian Army operational efficiency” held Tuesday in Abuja, by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation.
Commander of the army’s Cyber Warfare Command, Maj. Gen. Adeleke Ayannuga, who represented the army chief, noted that the country had encountered unprecedented security challenges due to separatist agitations, increased urban crime, banditry and terrorist threats.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede said that lives have been lost, families have been slain and communities have been uprooted in the attempt to combat the security threats plaguing the nation, including harming national growth by impeding investments and enterprises.
He said that despite enormous resources and attempts to tackle these dangers, insecurity remains, necessitating a shift in policy.
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“The complexity and evolving nature of these threats require a new approach, one that is adaptive, innovative and homegrown. Homegrown technology is not just a tool, it is a declaration of technological independence in the fight against insecurity.
“This seminar is therefore, very apt and timely as it provides platforms for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and forward-thinking dialogue between the Nigerian Army and indigenous technology service providers.
“By embracing these homegrown technological solutions, it will also foster a sense of ownership and pride in our capacity to secure our nation.
“In this wise, the Nigerian Army under my watch is poised to foster partnerships and collaborate with other security agencies, government agencies, reputable private sector, academic institutions and local communities to combat insecurity and promote national security as well as development,” he said.
