The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has concluded a four-day Capacity Building and Regional Doctrine Workshop aimed at strengthening combat strategies and enhancing regional security cooperation across West Africa.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the workshop was organised by the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC) to harmonise operational concepts and improve joint military preparedness in the face of evolving threats.
Participants included military personnel from Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Senegal, and Sierra Leone, as well as representatives of the Economic Community of West African States. International resource experts from the British Defence Staff (West Africa) also provided technical support.
Closing Doctrinal Gaps to Tackle Emerging Threats
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, AVM Francis Edosa, said the workshop was driven by the need to address doctrinal gaps within West African armed forces.
He highlighted the growing complexity of regional security threats, including asymmetric warfare, terrorism, transnational organised crime, and multi-domain operations. According to him, the establishment of the JDWC is a strategic move to institutionalise doctrine development and serve as the intellectual backbone of military operations.
Oluyede stressed that shared doctrinal frameworks are essential for boosting interoperability, strengthening joint operations, and advancing collective security across the sub-region.
Enhancing Jointness and Multi-Agency Cooperation
Director-General of the centre, Maj.-Gen. Anede Edet, explained that the workshop was conducted in two phases—focusing on Nigerian personnel and regional participants—to build a high-level tri-service cadre of doctrine writers, editors, and validators.
He noted that the programme would improve joint military operations, deepen multi-agency collaboration, and ensure that lessons learned are translated into practical doctrinal publications guiding strategy and policy.
The successful conclusion of the workshop underscores DHQ’s commitment to regional defence partnerships and positions West African forces to respond more effectively to complex and emerging security challenges.
